damage is which they have done to our Church, they are not the members of the party that are most to be feared. They have left us, and become avowed Romanists, and by that very act have set us on our guard against them.

Much more formidable are the leaders of the party who still remain in outward communion with us. They "come to us in sheep's clothing," professing to be loyal and devoted members of our Church, and, therefore, they find too often ready listeners. They may be compared to a recruiting depôt for the Church of Rome, kept up among ourselves; and, sooner or later, the persons who fall under their influence very generally become open converts to Romanism. And their efforts are the more insidious, because they, for the most part, begin by loudly declaring that they teach nothing but the recognised doctrines of the Established Church, that they are inculcating "Church principles," and that all who are opposed to them are little better than schismatics.

EXTRACTS.

A man may as well go to hell for not doing good as for doing evil. He that bears not good fruit is as liable to be hewn down as he that bears bad. "Every tree which beareth not good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire."-Matt. iii. 10. One may

as well die from not eating food, as from eating poison. Ground may as well be spoiled for want of good seed, as from having tares sown on it. They that were not active in works of charity were sadly sentenced: "Depart from me, ye cursed," &c., "for I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat." It is not said, ye took away my meat from me; but, "ye gave me No meat." Why were the foolish virgins shut out? They had done no hurt, they had not broken their lamps, aye, but "they took no oil in their lamps." Their wanting oil was their condemnation; therefore, let not any man build his hopes for heaven upon negatives. This is building upon the sand; the sand is bad to build on, it will not cement, being of perishable materials. But suppose a man should finish a house upon it, what is the issue? The flood comes, namely persecution, and the force of this flood will drive away the sand, and make the house fall; and the wind blows.

The breath of the

Lord will blow such a sandy building into hell. Be afraid, then, to rest in the negative part of religion. Launch forth further. BE

EMINENTLY HOLY.- -Watson.

Every Christian that hath any acquaintance with his own heart will confess that when he is most merciful and most ready to put up with injuries and indignities, when he hath most comfortable assurance of his own salvation, and can most cheerfully look up unto God in Christ as one that hath an interest in him.-John Dod.

Sketches of Gibraltar. By the Rev. L. H. IRVINE. Published on behalf of the Presbyterian Church now erecting there. Edinburgh Johnstone and Hunter. London: James Nisbet and Co.; and R. Theobald, Paternoster-row.

THERE is little satisfaction in purchasing a worthless article, even for the purpose of assisting a good and meritorious object. We have sometimes been induced to do so, but such acts have been invariably followed by the wish, that we had given the whole amount away, and been left unencumbered with what to us was as useless as a toy or a trinket. It is to be regretted that such is too often the case with articles sold for benevolent purposes. But such assuredly will not be the feelings of those who purchase Mr. Irvine's admirable sketches. Apart entirely from the laudable object for which

they are published, we commend them to our readers as an exquisite work of art-full value for the amount charged-and such as would certainly do no dishonour to one of the first artists of the day. On the ground of merit, therefore, we wish them an extensive circulation. And we are sure that wherever they go they will excite an interest in Gibraltar and its Presbyterian Church. In this way, apart from profits, Mr. Irvine has made a valuable contribution to this important undertaking of the Free Church.

Among the 5,000 British troops who are quartered on the rocks of Gibralter, many of our readers have, at one time or other, had relatives or friends-some of whom may have longed for the opportunity of worshipping God in the Church of their fathers. And these friends and relatives

may be there again. To such readers we specially commend these admirable views, which are accompanied with several pages of letter press descriptive of the place and its scenery.

An Exposition and Defence of the Presbyterian Form of Church Government. In Reply to Episcopal and Independent Writers. By the Rev. DAVID KING, LL.D., Glasgow. Edinburgh: Johnstone and Hunter. London: R. Theobald. 1853. Pp. 343.

The Lord's Supper. By the Rev. DAVID KING, LL.D., Glasgow. Third Edition. Edinburgh: Johnstone and Hunter. Pp. 318.

DR. KING has largely increased the debt of gratitude the Church already owes him, by the publication of the volumes whose titles we have given, In the former work Presbyterianism is both expounded and defended. The defence is as able as the exposition is clear. Systematic and learned enough to meet the taste of the student, the work is yet plain enough to be popular. Like the Presbyterianism it expounds and defends, it follows the golden mean, and is adapted to the wants of the Church as a whole. The exposition is of Presbyterianism not only as it is, but also as it ought to be; and the defence is not against dead, but living adversaries. On the part of the Independents, the arguments of Drs. Wardlaw and Davidson, with Mr. James, of Birmingham, are met, and, as we have felt, answered. On the side of Episcopalianism, Dr. King has selected the work of Bishop Onderdonk, in its English edition, as fairly representing the strongest, and most modern, side of that argument. Bringing to his task a mind well stored with patristic, puritanic, and modern theology, a judgment singularly calm and clear, a temper that is imperturbable, and a patient industry that shrinks from no labour, Dr. King has produced a volume which brings the controversy down to our own day, and leaves it in such a state as that none of its friends can be doubtful, and none of its foes triumphant. We have read no controversial work so free from the odium theologicum. No advantage is taken of an incautious statement by an opponent, but, strong in a good and true cause, the argument is carried on with that courtesy and candour so becoming to a Christian gentleman. We had at first inclined to think that Dr. King evacuated ground he ought to have occupied, and ceded posts that ought to have been made tenable: but, on second thoughts, we believe that he has adopted the wisest tactics, fortifying only the stronghold of

the argument, and defending only the citadel. We have here expounded and terianism: and the likeliest way of condefended all that is essential to Presbyvincing a gainsayer certainly is, rather by showing how many things we might come to agree in, than by needlessly multiplying points of difference. An adversary will sometimes raise the shout of victory as loud when he has gained an outpost in no way essential to the main position, as if his flag were flying over the central fortress. We have, on the whole, to say, that we have read no book on this question we would sooner put in the hand of an uninstructed friend, and in the hand, also, of a candid opponent. It were good specially that the volume were in the hands of the eldership of our Church. Did our ruling Elders come up more nearly to the pattern shown them in the mount, that were better than many volumes both of exposition and defence of Presbytery. And, that they may do their duty, it is necessary that they know it. Sure we are that many of them would rise from the perusal of this work with a deeper sense of the dignity of their position, and a feeling of its responsibility more solemn and quickening. The author has produced a volume that may fill a gap in a small manse library, and the publishers have put it within reach of the ability of a small stipend.

Of the other volume-that on the Lord's Supper-little needs be said. It has already passed into a third edition, and has thus made good for itself a footing in the literature of the land. The work is dogmatic, doctrinal, and practical. It contains a full digest of the whole subject; and, like the previous volume, would form a valuable addition to a small library. We have found the volume as profitable for what it suggested, as for what it conveyed. A copious index conduces much to its convenience; and an appendix, containing a sufficiently full list of authors who have treated on this subject, with brief critical notes on their value and contents, we think a very valuable feature of the work, and one deserving of imitation. Memoirs of Thomas Chalmers, D.D., LL.D. By his Son-in-law, the Rev. WILLIAM HANNA, LL.D. Edinburgh: Thomas Constable and Co. Hamilton, Adams, and Co., London. 1853. WE do not now need to speak of the memoirs of Dr. Chalmers by his son-in-law. The suffrages of the whole guild of literature have already been fully taken on that point; and never before were they so prompt in their decision and so unanimous in their verdict. If there were malcontents, they at least kept respectful silence; or, if

there were exceptions to that rule, in mercy to the men let their names be forgotten, and their blunder forgiven. The duty we have now to discharge, is simply to introduce an old friend in a new dress. The publishers of the Posthumous Works have commenced the issue of a people's edition of Dr. Hanna's "Life of the Man of the People." In weekly numbers, at three half-pence, in monthly parts at sixpence, or in quarterly volumes, neatly done up in stiff paper, at half-a-crown; the whole of Dr. Hanna's four invaluable volumes may now be had, and through any bookseller, for ten shillings and sixpence. When the four quarterly volumes have completed the work, they may be bound in two tidy volumes, and do any man's heart good to look upon them on his shelf. The publishers deserve the cordial support and co-operation of the public in this their enterprise. Specially do they deserve all the help our ministers, office-bearers, and influential laymen can give them, in circulating this work far and near, in hall and cottage, in private and congregational libraries, not already proIvided with the costlier edition. Dr. Chalmers used to say that the hardest task he

CHINA.

ever undertook was to make an Englishman thoroughly understand the Scottish Church question. Dr. Hanna has put it in such a way in these volumes as that it can hardly be misunderstood. It is for the good of our Church in England that the principles we maintain should be apprehended: and we know no shape in which the information needed may be more surely conveyed than that in which it appears in these volumes. It were a good service done to our cause, therefore, were this eminently readable book brought within the reach of the English reader. The light which beams so brightly from the face of Chalmers, illumines all around him; and, seen in his light, the dark and obscure brighten into noonday. Were his life more generally read, much of the obloquy we now lie under, and much of the misrepresentation we suffer from ill-instructed friends, and overinstructed foes, might pass away. At all events a great service must be done to the one true faith, the cause of God and of truth, in the land, that many come to know how the Gospel of the grace of God warmed and enlarged the already warm and large heart of Dr. Chalmers.

LETTERS dated August 4th and 5th, have lately been received by the Treasurer from Mr. Burns and Dr. Young; but being chiefly of a business nature, they do not contain anything of general interest respecting the revolutionary movements in China. About the end of July, Amoy was visited by a severe storm, which brought down a large house occupied by the missionaries of the American Society, and part of the one in which Dr. Young was living. But they have all been mercifully preserved from personal injury, and means have been promptly taken to repair the dilapidations. Dr. Young says, "Ever since the rising of the insurgents here, both schools have had but a small attendance. For weeks the inhabitants were kept in such a state of uncertainty and fear that parents would not allow their children to go from their homes." "The news from Nanking concerning the rebels and their profession of Christianity have been a subject of very great interest to me, and to all the brethren here. There is a difference of opinion as to how far their sincerity can be depended upon, and how far there is reason to hope for great results. The facts, however, that have been ascertained are astonishing in

deed, and certainly matter of rejoicing."

* **

"The insurgents have still possession of Amoy; but it is supposed they cannot long retain possession, at least if the Chinese Government is able to bring a large force against them; and there is a report of this. It is very difficult to ascertain what is true in reports among the Chinese. We are quiet and peaceful here at present. This peace succeeded certain engagements both by land and sea, which ended in the imperial party retiring, in the meantime at least, both from the island and waters of Amoy. The rebels behave well to foreigners, and in general to the Chinese inhabitants also. The town is well guarded by night-police.”

HIGHLAND OFFERINGS TO THE CHINA MISSION. THE following letter has been forwarded to us by the Treasurer of the Mission, and as it affords an example which might be easily imitated by many amongst us, we not only give it a place in our columns, but earnestly bespeak for it an attentive perusal. Christians of almost every denomination are now turning their eyes towards China, and actively taking measures for extending their operations there. What our Church has

recently done by sending out another missionary, was not in consequence of the late changes in that country, for it was resolved upon before the tidings reached us. It may not be prudent, in our circumstances, to add another to our present staff of labourers, but a few friends, animated by a spirit as true and practical as Mr. Fullarton's, would soon enable us to accomplish this and more. But even our present resources are scarcely sufficient for present necessities. In a postscript to his letter Mr. Burns says, "With an additional missionary, and, added to this, exchange getting every month worse, your committee would require to use all means for drawing out a larger supply of funds; else it will not be long before the mission is in difficulty. I may myself, in present circumstances, need but little; but this is not a general rule. I wish I could write letters to interest and stir up the people; but unless as matter occurs from time to time, that really seems to my own mind important, I am unable to do this; and for this, among other reasons, I have always wished to need but little. The work here requires in all connected with it much faith and patience. It is a work that I do not doubt is making real progress, but not, at least in our hands, after a manner that can be made very apparent to on-lookers :"

"To HUGH M. MATHESON, Esq. "DEAR SIR,-From the recent events that have taken place in China, we may see the hand of God in opening a way for the rapid spreading of the Gospel among the heathen. Since the Lord hath opened so wide a field for Bibles and missionaries, all Christians should unite in raising money to send Bibles and missionaries there.

"I have collected among a few friends the sum of £33 16s. 5d. for that object. If a number would take the trouble of collecting money for that purpose, a great sum might be raised in a short time. Some that have given money to me have thanked me for giving them an opportunity of helping the Lord's work in China. I met a few who would give nothing but good wishes to the Lord's cause. I met one man who said that he highly approved of what I was doing, and wished me every success in my good undertaking, but would give nothing. said, 'Sir, I would rather have a shilling from you than all your good wishes.' It is

I

a great pity that many deceive themselves by their good wishes, but will not give anything to the Lord's cause but the wind of their mouths.

"We should read the 25th chapter of Matthew, and apply it to ourselves, for fear we be found among the unprofitable servants at last, and be cast into outer darkness. "All God's people should take encouragement from the signs of the times, and do all they can for the advancement of Christ's kingdom on earth, for it seems that the latter day's glory is not far distant. The harvest is great, but the labourers are few;' pray the Lord to send labourers to the vineyard, and do all you can to send them to carry on God's work in China.

"When so much has been collected at Brodick Buy, a part of the poor highlands, what large sums might be collected throughout England and Scotland if Christians would go among the people to collect, and give them that are willing an opportunity of giving some of their money to spread the Gospel in China, that the prophecy of the 72d Psalm, 15th verse, may be fulfilled :

A Friend.....

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52201ITO

In next number of the "Messenger we hope to give further particulars of the revolutionary movement in China, but want of space at present forbids us. The following extract from an article by the Rev. Dr. Legg, of Hong-Kong, will be perused with interest, giving his views of the origin of the first impressions regarding scriptural truth received by the leader of the movement :

"The chief, Hung Sew-tseuen, has been the enlightener of his followers in religious matters more, I apprehend, than their leader in war. The history of his own acquaintance with the scriptural truths which he now publishes under an imperial seal may be traced as follows:-In 1837, it is stated in one of the works which I have been analyzing, he was taken up to heaven, and fully instructed in Divine matters. Before that time, however, his mind had been excited about the great truths which are contained in our Scriptures. There is evidence that he was for some months, in 1846, residing, for the purpose of receiving religious instruction, with Mr. Roberts, an American missionary in Canton. On his first application to that gentleman, he informed him that the thing

which first aroused his mind was a tract with the title- Good Words to Admonish the Age,' which was given him several years before at one of the literary examina

tions. The statements of that tract were subsequently, we learn from another document, given last year by a relative of his to a Swedish missionary in Hong-Kong, confirmed to him by a vision which he had in a time of sickness, and during which occurred his visit to heaven. Thus we are carried back, beyond 1837, to the point when this religious movement commenced, and we want to find a tract, entitled-'Good Words to Admonish the Age,' given to Sew-tseuen, then a literary student, at one of the triennial examinations. Now, we have the tract, and we have the record of its distribution on one of those occasions.

"Good Words to Admonish the Age' was a tract well known to missionaries some ten or twelve years ago, but it has latterly been out of print. I had the old blocks sought out, however, during the present week, and have had a few copies struck off. No one can look into it without seeing at once that its phraseology and modes of presenting the truth are repeated in the publications obtained at Nankin. It is rather a misnomer to call it a tract. It is a compilation of tracts, or short sermons on passages of Scripture, and the general principles of religion, in four pretty large

*This document is verified by the quotations which it gives from the publications that have since been obtained at Nankin.