France, the United States, and Canada. By John Campbell, D.D. 8vo. pp. xx, 476. Snow. An elaborate and by far too greatly extended memoir of one who, in the formation and establishment of the London City Mission, was indefatigable and extensively useful. To those who were favoured with Mr. Nasmith's acquaintance, the volume will be perused with interest; but to others who knew him not, we fear, the extent to which Dr. Campbell has elongated the work, will prevent its being read. The memoir is worthy an attentive examination, which it will fully repay. Vol. History of England from the Peace of Utrecht. By Lord Mahon. IV. From the Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, to the Peace of Paris. 8vo. pp. 527, liv. John Murray.-As we noticed the former volumes of this History when they appeared, we think it right to say something also of this. It includes the public-perhaps we should rather say, political events of English history from 1749 to 1762. The volume is best described by being said to be the history of the proceedings of the British Government, as professing to represent the British nation, during the years which it includes. Into the state of the country, its manners and customs, its literature, into what may be termed its moral and social history, his Lordship does not enter. And the history of its political proceedings is anything rather than a pleasing one. This, indeed, is not his Lordship's fault. We think he has worked well with the materials to which he has restricted himself. He appears to be influenced by no other motive than a desire to state things as they really were. He has evidently endeavoured, and not unsuccessfully, to be impartial. But his materials are not good. We have a history of the contests of party, of struggles for power. Lord Mahon concludes this volume just before the series of events commenced which has continued to our own times, and possesses such a deep and engrossing interest. But before the American war broke out, and the French Revolution,-occurrences which bring the nation into the field of political history, and which, in their evolutions, occasioned such exciting scenes, -the history of public proceedings produces by no means a favourable impression. The intrigues of placemen can never be presented in a pleasing point of view, even when connected with circumstances of great public interest; but when they stand alone, so as to be seen just as they are, they awaken a very melancholy, sometimes a very indignant, feeling. Such feelings we have expe. rienced in reading the present volume; but we again say, the fault is in the materials. The author had to use them as he found them; and while we speak thus concerning them, we willingly bear testimony to the fidelity which is manifested by him. His Lordship writes calmly, and with an elegant plainness which is very pleasing. He seems to have felt that, in writing on the subjects before him, any attempts at a more ambitious style would have been endeavour. ing to invest meanness with grandeur, and would have issued in a turgid and ridiculous inflation. The two chapters with which the volume concludes, containing more than a hundred pages,—a fifth part of the whole,-are, however, to be exempted from the observations we have made on the materials of the History. They are devoted to India, and describe our empire there, briefly in its commencement, and more fully in those proceedings which belong to the period concerning which his Lordship writes, and which were, in reality, though no one could then have foreseen such an issue, opening the way for the extension which we now behold. Whether Lord Mahon intends to continue his History, or not, we, of course, cannot say. Another volume would bring him amongst those stirring events concerning which such extreme-might we say, such passionate?-opinions have been formed. These opinions are still the subjects of party contest; and it will be no easy task to write on the facts to which they refer. They do certainly possess a real character; and there is a standard of truth, by the employment of which that character may be ascertained and described. The historian whose mind can clearly apprehend this standard, and apply to it the events of such a stormy period, were he likewise in all other respects equal to his task, would produce a work which, for grandeur and instruction, would not be surpassed by any hitherto composed. Have we such a historian in England? Memoirs of the seventy-five eminent Divines, whose Discourses form "the Morning Exercises " at Cripplegate, St. Giles in the Fields, and in Southwark: with an Outline of a Sermon from each Author. By Samuel Dunn. 8vo. Pp. vi, 231. Snow.-This volume will not fail to form an interesting and valuable associate, on the same shelf, with the "Morning Exercises," now in a course of publication. We have care fully examined each Memoir, and think that Mr. Dunn, in this compilation, has accomplished his task as he intended, without offence, even to the most fastidious; and throughout the whole series has furnished a pleasing and edifying manual, highly illustrative of the piety and zeal of former times. The Divines who are here portrayed were "giants in those days " of rebuke and blasphemy. Seventy of them were ejected from their benefices by the oppressive and unrighteous Act of Uniformity, and many of them were called to endure the confiscation of property, cruel mockings, bonds, and imprisonment. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN ENGLAND. THE Synod of the Presbyterian Church in England has recently determined to institute a Theological College for the training of young men for the ministry. The College will be in London; and the classes will be opened in the beginning of November next. The following appointments have been already made: The Rev. Peter Lorimer, of London, Professor of Biblical Criticism and Interpretation; the Rev. Hugh Campbell, of Manchester, Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Jurisprudence; and the Rev. James Hamilton, of Regent-square church, London, Professor of Pastoral Theology. The Rev. J. P. Menge, from Germany, will act as Hebrew and Classical Tutor. The appointment of a Professor of Systematic Divinity and Christian Ethics is for the present postponed. The Students will avail themselves of the classes of University College for instruction in Mental and Physical Science; and the course of study will extend to four years. The Synod of England is a body holding the same principles as the Free Church of Scotland, and maintaining intimate communion with it; but it is not a part of the Free Church: it is not under its jurisdiction; but is in every respect a distinct and self-regulating body. It has hitherto been dependent on Scotland and Ireland for its supply of Ministers; and its object, in instituting the College about to be commenced, is, to remedy this defect, by training up Ministers for itself, who may give to evangelical Presbyterianism in England a more English aspect, and so extend its usefulness and efficiency. VARIETIES. EXPERI CAPTAIN WARNER'S MENT.-July 20th, an extraordinary invention was put to the test off Brighton. Captain Warner, R. N., undertook to show that no ship could chase another, furnished with his implements of warfare, without being herself destroyed. Multitudes went down from London to see the experiment, and it is supposed that thirty thousand were assembled on the shores, including a number of official personages, and naval and military offi cers. The ship to be operated upon was the John o' Gaunt, a stout bark of 300 tons measurement, a perfectly seaworthy ship, presented to Captain Warner by Mr. Soames, ship-owner, for the purpose of testing the invention. About a quarter to five the John o' Gaunt began to move towards the destined spot of operations, towed by the Sir William Wallace, steam-tug, in which was Captain Warner with his implements of destruction, and attended by a small Shoreham steam-tug, the Tees, to take off the crew of the John o' Gaunt previous to her destruction. When the John o' Gaunt came abreast the battery, about a mile and a half from shore, a Union-jack, the signal agreed upon, was hoisted, to intimate to Captain Warner that he was now to destroy the ship. In a few minutes the instrument of destruction seemed to strike the vessel amid-ships, for from that point a huge column of water, in which was intermingled some of the shingle of her ballast, shot up perpendicularly into the air, higher than her topmast; her mizen went by the board, her mainmast, a new one, was shot clean out of her like a rocket; she heeled over to port to an angle of 45 degrees, and her main hatchway being open, day-light was visible through her bottom timbers, and she seemed to part asunder as she went down, leaving nothing perceptible but the top of her foremast! The decks were not blown up, but remained entire when the ship sunk-a clear proof that the force, whatever it was, and from whatever quarter it proceeded, was external, and not from within the cavity of the ship. The time which passed from her being struck and her sinking could not have exceeded two minutes and a half. The invention has been since discussed in both Houses of Parliament, and the best naval judges are not favourable to its practical value.Gentleman's Magazine. HOT SEASONS.-Years which were extremely hot and dry.—In 763, the summer was so hot, that the springs dried up. In 870, the heat was so intense, that, near Worms, the reapers dropped dead in the fields. In 993, and again in 994, it was so hot, that the corn and fruit were burnt up. The year 1000 was so hot and dry, that in Germany the pools of water disappeared; and the fish being left to stink in the mud, bred a pestilence. In 1122, the heat was so excessive, that both men and cattle were struck dead. In 1130, the earth yawned with drought springs and rivers disappeared, and even the Rhine was dried up in Alsace. In 1159, not a drop of rain fell in Italy after May. The year 1171 was extremely hot in Germany. In 1232, the heat was so great, especially in Germany, that it is said that eggs were roasted in the sands. 1260, many of the Hungarian soldiers died of excessive heat at the famous battle fought near Bela. The consecutive years 1276 and 1277 were so hot and dry, as to occasion a great scarcity of fodder. The years 1293 and 1294 were extremely hot; and so were likewise 1303 and 1304, both the Rhine and the Danube having dried up. In 1333, the corn-fields and vineyards were burnt up. The years 1393 and 1394 were excessively hot and dry. In 1447, the summer was extremely hot. In the success. ive years 1473 and 1474, the whole earth seemed on fire: in Hungary one might wade across the Danube. In The four consecutive years, 1538, 1539, 1540, and 1541, were excessively hot, and the rivers dried up. In 1556, the drought was so great, that the springs failed: in England, wheat rose from 8s. to 53%. a quarter. The years 1615 and 1616 were very dry over Europe. In 1646, it was extremely hot. In 1652, the warmth was very great, the summer being the driest ever known in Scotland; yet a total eclipse of the sun had happened that year, on Monday, the 24th of March, which hence received the appel lation of "Mirk Monday." In 1718, the weather was extremely hot and dry all over Europe: the air felt so oppress ive, that all the theatres were shut in Paris scarcely any rain fell for the space of nine months, and the springs and rivers were dried up. The following year was equally hot: the thermometer at Paris rose to 98° by Fahrenheit's scale: the grass and corn were quite parched in some places the fruit-trees blossomed two or three times. Both the years 1723 and 1724 were dry and hot. The year 1745 was remarkably warm and dry but the following year was still hotter, insomuch that the grass withered, and the leaves dropped from the trees: neither rain nor dew fell for many months; and, on the Continent, prayers were offered up in the churches, to implore the bounty of refreshing showers. In 1754, it was likewise extremely warm. The years 1760 and 1761 were both of them remarkably hot; and so was the year 1763. 1774 was excessively hot and dry. Both the years 1778 and 1779 were warm and very dry. The year 1788 was also very hot and dry; and of the same character was 1811, famous for its excellent vintage, and distinguished by the appearance of a brilliant comet.Merlin. : POOR-LAW RETURNS, &c.-A return of the number of orphan and deserted children in the poor-law union workhouses of England and Wales, has been laid before the House of Commons. The number of unions in the English counties, is stated to be 508. The total number of orphan children (that is, having lost one or both parents) under fourteen years of age, in the various union work houses on the 8th of March last, amounted to 15,805; of whom 8,846 were males, and 6,959 females. The total number of children under fourteen years of age, who have been deserted by their parents, amounted, at the same period, to 6,408; of whom 3,409 were males, and 2,999 females. The total number of widows receiving out-door relief, on the 18th of March last, amount ed to 71,250; and the total number of children under fourteen years of age, dependent on them for support and sub sistence, to 102,913. In the thirty-eight unions of Wales, there were 514 orphans (274 males, and 240 females); 238 children deserted by their unnatural parents (122 males, and 116 females); 5,996 widows receiving out-door relief; and 8,611 children depending on them for subsistence. The grand total for England and Wales (inclusive of places under Gilbert's Act) was as follows: namely, 580 unions; 18,261 orphan children under fourteen years of age (10,205 males, and 8,056 females); 7,152 children, under fourteen years of age, deserted by parents (3,813 males, and 3,339 females); 85,285 widows receiving out-door relief on the 18th of March, 1844; and 119,310 children dependent upon them for support and subsistence. - Leeds Times. RECENT DEATHS. FEB. 4th, 1844.-At Gaddesby, in the MeltonMowbray Circuit, Mr. William Reeve, aged eighty-five. For seventy years he was a consistent member of the Methodist society, and sustained the office of Class-Leader with great acceptance and usefulness for upwards of half a century. In 1777 he invited the Methodist Preachers to his native village; and in his house they have ever since found a comfortable home, and a cordial welcome. He suffered much persecution in those days, in consequence of his attachment to the Wesleyans; but he held fast his integrity, and the Lord greatly prospered him. The latter years of his life were spent in meditation, prayer, and praise. When he was permitted to meet with his Christian friends in class for the last time in this world, he spoke much longer, and with more earnestness, than usual, exhorting them to endeavour to keep the Gospel among them. To the end of his life he expressed his strong confidence in the atonement of Jesus. A short time before he died, when his speech had failed him, he gave significant signs of the happiness of his soul, and of his joyous prospects of immortality, T. B. April 25th.-At Drummullen, in the Clones Circuit, aged fifty-four, Annabella, wife of Mr. William Clarke. When quite a child, the instructions of her mother led her to very serious thoughts respecting divine things; and in her thirteenth year she so deeply felt the need of a personal interest in Christ, that she sought it with her whole heart, and in a very short time found the joy and peace of believing. Her sub. sequent life fully evinced the true character of the work which she then experienced. At the commencement of her last illness, anticipating what would be its close, she sought to be fully prepared for it, by faithful self-examination, a renewed application to the blood of sprinkling, and a richer baptism of the Holy Spirit. As dissolution approached, her holy comforts abounded; and her confidence and joy were often expressed in the appropriate language of Hymns she had frequently used, and well recollected. The one beginning, "Arise, my soul, arise," she repeated with great animation. Towards the last, weakness prevented distinct articulation; but not long before she died, she was able to repeat, as expressive of her own happy state, the text which had been so blessed to her in the earlier stage of her religious course," There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." G. M.M. April 28th.-At Pentonville, in the Eighth London Circuit, of pulmonary consumption, in the thirty-ninth year of his age, John Lawrence, "an Israelite indeed." Early in the year 1828 he obtained redemption through the blood of Christ, even the forgiveness of all his sins. In less than two months afterwards he was enabled to exclaim," Victory, victory, victory, over the greatest of enemies, inbred sin, through the blood and righteousness of my crucified Redeemer!" His longing desires to be useful to his fellow-sinners led him to become a TractDistributor, a Prayer-Leader, and a Local Preacher. For the last eight years of his life he was constantly afflicted; but in his patience he possessed his soul. His latest effort at usefulness was made on the closing day of his life. Only six or seven hours before he died, he wrote, with his own hand, part of a faithful, affectionate, and pious letter to an unconverted sister-in-law and her husband, and indited the remainder. Some of his last words were, "I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." R. W. May 4th.-At Glasgow, Mrs. Martha Atkinson, wife of the late Quarter-Master Thomas Atkinson. The precise period when she became decidedly pious, and united herself with the people of God, is not known; but for many years she strove to adorn the Christian profession, and, not without effect, to inculcate the principles of true piety upon her family. In the numerous changes of place which her situation occa sioned, her first care, on going to a new place, was, to find out the people of God, with whom she soon became one in heart as well as in profession. For the last few years of her life, affliction deprived her almost entirely of the public ordinances of religion; but its importance still impressed her mind, and her heart felt its power. Christian friends who went to see her express themselves as having been edified by her spirit ual conversation. And in her closing illness, as had been requested of her, she gave signs, when she could not speak, that her trust in the Lord Jesus was steadfast. S. A. May 10th.-At Blaina, in the Merthyr-Tydvil Circuit, George Bullworthy, aged seventy-five. He was convinced of sin under the Wesleyan ministry at South-Molton, Devonshire, in the year 1815. Soon after he entered the society, he obtained the forgiveness of sins, and happily retained the sense of his acceptance with God, to the day of his death. When bowed down by the infirmities of age, he removed from Devonshire to the house of his married daughter, Mrs. Budgen, in Monmouthshire. He enjoyed the religion which made him happy: his experience was sound and clear, and declared with great simplicity. He suffered much during the later period of his life; but he was patient, and resigned to the will of God. "When He hath tried me," he said, "I shall come forth as gold." About a fortnight before his death, when left alone, he was heard exclaiming, "Precious Jesus! what a treasure! 'My Jesus to know, and feel his blood flow, 'Tis life everlasting, 'tis heaven below.'" To his daughter, who remarked that he suffered much, he replied, "Pain is sweet while Christ is near." A little before his death, after a short slumber, he said, "Peace, peace, sweet peace! Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ."" W. W. May 13th.-At Kinoulton, in the MeltonMowbray Circuit, Miss Sarah Bonser, aged thirty-one. When about fourteen years of age, she resolved to live for eternity, and joined the Wesleyan church. Her disposition was gentle and unassuming. As a Collector for the Missionary cause, her labours were unremitting. She lived near to God, and offered all her works to him. Her last illness was rather protracted; but she was not afraid to die. In the morning of the day on which she entered heaven, her father inquired, "Can you still praise the Lord, my dear?" She clasped her hands, and said, siniling, "Jesus died for me. 'Jesus can make a dying bed Feel soft as downy pillows are.' The Lord is the strength of my heart, and will be my portion for ever." And then, waving her hands in token of victory, she exclaimed, "Glory be to God, I shall live for ever!" Thus bearing testimony to the truth of God, and to the power of divine grace, with scarcely a sigh or struggle, she fell asleep in Jesus. T. B. May 25th.-At Tunbridge, in the eighteenth year of her age, Eliza Ann, the beloved and only daughter of Mr. Henry Milns. In early life she was favoured with much religious influence, which led her, when about twelve years old, to unite herself to the society of God's people. She was induced to seek a clear sense of God's forgiving love. Having attended a love-feast, she retired to her closet, which she refused to leate until she had obtained the blessing she sought. After some hours spent in earnest prayer, she was filled with joy and peace through believing. Being removed from the parental roof to school, she retained her attachment to the exercises of devotion, and maintained her piety. She was the subject of frequent and severe affliction, which was eminently sanctified. Three weeks previous to her death, at her class, she said, that she was happy in God, and that for her to live was Christ, but to die would be gain. No apprehension of her departure was entertained tul after her ransomed spirit had winged its flight to her heavenly Father. Such was her happy and peaceful end. J. L. M. June 9th.-At Bristol, aged eighty-one, Mrs. Elizabeth Lancaster, relict of the late Mr. Joha W. Lancaster. Her father was one of the first Local Preachers in Bristol. At an early age she became converted to God, and for sixty-six years was a consistent member of the Wesleyan church, During half a century she was called to experi ence various afflictions; but through all ber soul was preserved in patience. Her reading was extensive; and, being blessed with a retentive memory, her protracted sufferings were greatly alleviated by profitable meditation Dreading presumption, she often went to the opposite extreme; and so far yielded to doubts, as to be deprived of much spiritual comfort. Her confidence, however, increased as she drew nearer her end; and she was enabled to express the assurance of faith through the atonement of her Redeemer. J. W. June 12th.-At Cromer, in the North Walsham Circuit, Mr. Simeon Long, in the ninety-first year of his age. He had been a member of the Wesleyan society for more than forty years, during which period he adorned his Christian profession. As a Christian, he was distinguished by great simplicity, deep humility, and the strictest integrity. When he embraced spiritual religion, he met with severe opposition, and for a season his worldly prospects were blighted; but he committed himself into the hand of God, and to the day of his death had the most satisfactory evidence of his acceptance in the Beloved. For some years he lived in the possession of the blessing of entire sanctification; and, when called to die, had no fear concerning the future. On one occasion, while exulting in Christ as his Saviour, he was led to say, "My Jesus to know, and feel his blood flow, "Tis life everlasting, 'tis heaven below." In "the valley of the shadow of death," he realized the presence of his Saviour; and at length calmly fell asleep in Jesus. W. P. June 14th.-At Bedlington, in the Blyth Circuit, Henry Robson, aged sixty. He was a sin cere Christian, and evinced a great susceptibility of religious feeling, seldom speaking of the things of God without tears. He still cleaved to Christ; and, with a child-like faith, committed all his concerns, temporal and spiritual, into the hands of his Creator. After having stood connected |