in circulation. The fact is less remarkable than gratifying. It is truly a good sign of the times.

Grace All-Sufficient; or, a Memoir of a deeply-afflicted Sufferer. Nisbet and Co. WE greatly like the present publication. The fact that it is anonymous gives it an additional value. Overleaping the barriers which separate sect from sect, and Church from Dissent, it appeals to our common humanity, and exhibits the common salvation. As a delineation of the power of the Gospel on the heart of man, it possesses great merit; and although clearly of a Church of England origin, yet its doctrines are so pure, its strain so spiritual, and its consolation so abundant, that all, without exception, of the female class, and even the male, may read it with pleasure and profit.

Julamerk; A Tale of the Nestorians. By Mrs. J. B. WEBB. Clarke, Beeton, and Co.

WE have already testified to the worth and interest of this captivating volume. The narrative is clear and beautiful, often touching in sentiment, and sparkling in expression. Its perusal cannot fail to leave behind it impressions the most salutary. Where piety exists, it is calculated to fan its flame; and where the heart is still hard, it exhibits from chapter to chapter much which is calculated to soften it.

Grammatical Exercises on the Moods, Tenses, and Syntax of Attic Greek; with a copious Vocabulary for the Use of Schools. By JAMES FERGUSSON, M.D. Oliver and Boyd; Simpkin and Co.

DR. FERGUSSON has added another to his previous admirable school-books, which will further entitle him to the thanks of the profession. The selection is every way excellent; it is the best publication of its class with which we are acquainted, and alike adapted to further the ends of private and public tuition.

The Church and the Church Diet; or, Kirchentag. By J. M. D'AUBIGNE, D.D. Partridge and Oakey.

THIS sermon was preached in the city of Berlin, and it will be found worthy of the occasion as well as of the preacher. The great Historian descants on the essential element of the Church, and the wealth of the Church, the latter constituting by far the larger portion of the sermon. We need not say that when he speaks of riches, it is not the riches of this world. The discourse is one of great power and beauty.

An Historical Pocket Annual for 1855; containing a Chronological Summary of the Events of 1855; with Abstracts of State Papers, an Account of the War, an Obituary of notable Persons, and remarkable Disasters. By Dr. BERGEL. Trubner and Co.

THE very title of this publication is enough to commend it to the enlightened reader. It is knowledge minimised, the best digest we have ever seen of the affairs of a year, and that year one of the most important that has revolved during many centuries.

Abraham and his Children; or, Parental Duties illustrated by Scriptural Examples. By EMILY GROSSE. Nisbet and Co. THIS ingenious manual has grouped together a multitude of points scattered widely apart in the sacred volume. We have here the good and the evil judiciously blended, and the perusal cannot fail to produce the best effects amongst Christian parents.

Congregational Church Music: A Book for the Service of Song in the House of the Lord. General Psalmody.-Bass, Treble, and Alto. Ward and Co.

THIS well-selected book is already sufficiently known to render unnecessary any attempt to characterize it. Its chief peculiarity is its diminished size and price. It is now of the same bulk with the middle size of hymn-books, and will be found very convenient to carry in the pocket.

MAN BY NATURE.

DEAD in trespasses and sin,
Vile, polluted, and unclean;
Naked, miserable, blind,
Darken'd in his heart and mind;
Satan's slave, a child of wrath,
Wandering helpless from the path;
Without hope and without God,
Without strength to seek the road;
Knowing nothing, hating life,
Speaking evil, sowing strife;
In the way that leads to death.
His best hope a "puff of breath;"
Of the world, he hath no rest;
Peace is stranger to his breast;

Hating God, who knows him not,
God is not in all his thought;
A despiser of the word,

One who will not seek the Lord;
Stony-hearted, void of faith,
And condemn'd to endless death!

MAN BY GRACE.

Quicken'd by the voice of God,
Cleansed by his atoning blood;
Clothed, blessed, sight is given,
Darkness from his spirit driven;
See, the Son hath made him free,
And he walks at liberty;
He is an adopted son,
Dwelt in by the Holy One;

He has found a pathway strait,
Leading to the heavenly gate;
He is strong in Christ the Lord,
And he loves his holy word;
Now he knows, though but in part,
God has given a fleshy heart;
He will follow after peace,
Own the Lord his righteousness;
He is holy, true, and just,
In the Lord he puts his trust;
Living, lives a life of faith;
Dying, triumphs over death!

MAN IN GLORY.

Life eternal shall be his,
He shall see Him as he is;
He shall know as he is known,
He shall love the Lord alone;
All his sorrows shall be o'er;
Sin shall never grieve him more;
Faith shall then be lost in sight;
God shall see his glorious light;
He shall see Him face to face,
Who has saved him by His grace.
Like his Saviour he shall be,
Sharer in his majesty ;
He shall enter into rest;
He shall mingle with the blest;
He shall cast his purchased crown
At the Saviour's footstool down,
Fill'd and satisfied with joy;
Nought shall burthen, fade, or cloy;
Death shall ne'er his bliss dissever-
He shall be with Christ for ever.

THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE.

BY DR. SAMUEL D. PATTERSON.

WHILST wandering in this vale of tears,
Beset with sorrows and with fears,
We turn our anxious eyes abroad,
To seek a pathway, find a road,
To lead us to a happier home,
Where neither grief nor pain can come,-
Our search is vain, our hopes betray,
Unless we turn to Thee-the Way.
Though ponderous volumes lie before
Our earnest gaze, the learned lore
Imprinted on their pages wide
Will fail our faltering steps to guide,
Nor cast a ray of light, to clear

The doubts and glooms which meet us here;
And trembling age and ardent youth
Alike must turn to Thee-the Truth.

Though proud ambition lures us on,
And Fancy paints the goal as won-
That goal which places on our brows
The richest prize a conqueror knows;
And Fame, with all that power can give,
Records our names and bids them live ;-
Vain is the conquest, vain the strife,
Unless we turn to Thee-the Life.

Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life;
And hearts that, with presumption rife,
Would seek through other means to gain
Light, truth, and life, but toil in vain.
Thy hand alone controls our way;
Thy truth bids darkness turn to day;
And they eternal life have gain'd
Whose names are written on thy hand.

BISHOP HEBER'S PRAYER FOR
HIS COUNTRY.

FROM foes that would the land devour;
From guilty pride, and lust of power;
From wild sedition's lawless hour;
From mental slavery ;

From blinded zeal by faction led;
From giddy change by fancy bred;
From poisonous Error's serpent head

Good Lord, preserve us free!

Defend, O God! with guardian hand,
The laws and ruler of our land,
And grant our Church thy grace, to stand
In faith and unity.

The Spirit's help of thee we crave,

That thou, whose blood was shed to save,
Mayst, at thy second coming, have

A flock to welcome thee!

WOMAN.

WARRIORS and statesmen have their meed of praise,

And what they do or suffer, men record; But the long sacrifice of woman's days

Passes without a thought, without a word; And many a holy struggle, for the sake Of duties, sternly, faithfully fulfill'd, For which the anxious mind must watch and wake,

And the strong feelings of the heart be still'd,

Goes by unheeded as the summer wind,
And leaves no memory and no trace behind.

THE aspect of matters, both at home and abroad, has materially changed since our last review. The ministry of Lord Aberdeen has been overthrown, and that of Lord Palm

AND THE WAR.

erston set up in its stead. This is not the place to descant on the merits of this great event, or on the circumstances which led to it; but we may observe, that its conse

changes in the action of the Government with respect to the War. The former Minister of War has been succeeded by Lord Panmure, himself a military man, and somewhat conversant with the affairs of that department. As the main grounds of the overthrow of Lord Aberdeen were the alleged inefficiency of the War Department, there is reason to suppose that there will be a great increase of energy in that direction. The causes of the late lamentable miscar riages in the Crimea, which have been attended with the loss of so much property, and so much life, will probably be inquired into, and thoroughly sifted. But amongst these warlike demonstrations, which have nothing but sorrow for our hearts, there is, at the time we write, another movement of a character to inspire a portion of hope that the dove may take the place of the eagle. Our readers are already aware of the congress about to sit at Vienna, with a view to the establishment of peace on the basis of what is known as the "Four Points." From this movement, for some time back, very little has been expected, and all the less from the fact that both the French and the Russian Emperors manifest dispositions which savour but little of either a wish for, or a hope of peace. The Emperor Napoleon was with difficulty restrained by his ministers from proceeding to Sebastopol, with a view to expedite the movements of his troops, with which he is greatly dissatisfied. Having been induced to give up, or at least postpone that purpose, he has, it is reported, resolved to place himself at the head of what is called the Army of the Rhine. On the other hand, the Emperor of Russia, in conjunction with his avowed preparedness to negotiate for peace on the "Four Points," has issued an order for the arming of the entire Russian population! Sad signs of peace these! There seems a moral certainty that the Russian Emperor will listen to no terms which provide for the reimbursement of the Western Powers for their enormous expenditure, and still less to proposals for the abridgment of his power in the East, either by the surrender of Sebastopol, or the limitation of his navy to a given number of ships. These points are considered settled. It is, perhaps, not less certain that the French will be parties to no treaty which provides not, at least, for the abridgment of Russian power, and the preservation of Turkey from further invasion. With respect to England, there is every reason to believe that, however prepared to carry on the war should circumstances render that obligatory, she is in real earnest in

our Government has adopted a most important expedient for the proper management of the Congress, by despatching Lord John Russell as British Plenipotentiary. There is the utmost certainty that everything will be done that ought to be done by him to effect the termination of hostilities, and that nothing will be done that is not consistent with the honour of the country and the future welfare of Europe. It had been impossible to resort to any other measures that would have given more satisfaction to the country, and furnished a more substantial guarantee for the proper representation of the British Power. With respect to the state of the Army in the East, both economical and moral, the reports are favourable; their condition is considerably improved; and with new arrangements, and the approach of spring, there will doubtless be a great and beneficial change effected. One of the best features of the hour, in connection with these terrific movements, is, the solicitude which is being awakened through every section of the Church of God. A spirit of prayer is very extensively prevalent at the present time. The friends of peace on right principles have confidence in the promise of the Most High. Desiring, they supplicate, and supplicating, they believe that what they implore they will receive.

RELIGION IN LONDON.

The Annual Meeting of the Congregational Chapel Building Society has been held, when a very gratifying Report was presented, and excellent addresses, on the general question, delivered by the Rev. J. Spence, the Rev. George Smith, Alderman Wire, and other gentlemen. Within a brief space, and at a small cost, a very great amount of good has been achieved by the Society. The Institution, if properly supported, is in the way of effecting an incalculable amount of spiritual service in the Metropolis. The organization has strong claims on the support of the opulent members of the community, and on all the churches in and around London. In connection with this, too, there has been another event of significance-a meeting in the Congregational Library, of ministers and laymen connected with the Independent body, to take into consideration the best method of furthering the interests of evangelical religion in the Capital. This meeting, which was of a very cheering character, was presided over by Mr. Samuel Morley, when a very important conference was held, issuing in the appointment of a committee, to consider the

most efficient means of dealing with the various districts of the City, which will report the result of its proceedings at a subsequent meeting.

EDUCATION.

A new Education Bill has been introduced by Lord John Russell, not very materially differing from the last, which will require to be examined and dealt with by those who are jealous of the jobbery of the Government, and of its interference with the liberties of the people.

PROTESTANTISM.

A Conference is to be held on the First of March, this day, of the Representatives of Protestant Societies, their branches, and other religious bodies, together with other leading Protestants, at the National Club, at Twelve o'clock, to take into consideration the following points:

1. Receive the Report of the Committee appointed by the Conference in May last.

2. Consider the steps to be taken to secure the repeal of the endowment of Maynooth, on the report being before Parliament; and, 3. Consider the best means of securing Protestant organization and Protestant action throughout England.

POPERY.

Popery is keeping steadily to its purpose, and making constant advances among the Clergy, and in the Universities. The war between it and Protestantism, in Ireland, at present proceeds but languidly. One thing, however, calls for notice: there has been an appeal to Rome on certain points, but without much success. The Popish Archbishop of Dublin is somewhat annoyed that Englishmen should grudge £30,000 a-year and upwards to Maynooth. He holds, that the Pope is the true sovereign of that seminary; but he thinks it quite proper to take all the money that can be obtained from the British exchequer! That portion of the public who have been attending to the affairs of Maynooth, are not a little dissatisfied that so long a period should have elapsed before the appearance of the Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into its system of instruction. They are all the more indignant that the Popish Archbishop should have obtained a copy of the evidence. We think, and we are sure the public will think, that this is a most unwarrantable proceeding; that it even suffices to excite distrust in the Report itself; and that, therefore, whatever

be its character, it will fail to give satisfaction to the Protestant public. If it be true, --and it seems so,-that the Archbishop has been using this evidence at Rome, to accomplish his own objects, and that while it has not even yet met the eyes of Englishmen, the exasperation will be increased. The proceedings of the Archbishop at Rome are still wrapped in comparative darkness; but enough is known to authorize the belief that he has been seeking to work changes in the mind of the "Holy Father," respecting the constitution of Maynooth. The Maynooth men have been compelled to hold the tenet, that the Pope has no right to depose kings. The Archbishop, on the contrary, it seems, -although he himself is on the board of trustees and of visitors,-has not only never taken the oath, but holds the "indirect temporal and deposing power of the Pope." Thus, every fresh manifestation of the interior action of the Papal system but shows its enmity to everything liberal, its hostility to the Gospel of Christ, and its permanent danger to a free constitution.

CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

In the Church of England there have been some remarkable manifestations of the progress of opinion. The Convocation has once more been giving signs, not merely of life, but uneasiness, which bode well for the future of the Established Church. All great improvements in such an institution are necessarily a work of time, connected with great difficulty, involving much labour, and many discouragements. But, wherever there is truth, time will bring victory. The main points, as touching progress, are the following.

It is proposed to shorten the Services; not to interfere with the Prayer-Book as it now exists, but to provide for briefer devotions, according to the taste of the "priests," and circumstances; "the permission of the bishop," of course, being had in every case. A collection of Psalms and Hymns also is demanded. Passing over minor points, the next great thing is, "Church extension," for which an additional agency is demanded to work the system. Here provision is to be made for "the systematic co-operation of the laity," in visiting and instructing the sick, the poor, and the ignorant-in exhorting the careless, in teaching children and adults in schools-in collecting funds for the extension of the Church at home and abroad; "and in all other labours of Christian love, which can, consistently with the rules of the Church, be performed by laymen." In addition to

Fa

Now, in all this there is a display of homage to reason and the spirit of the age. Such displays furnish gratifying encouragements to zealous men, and friends of truth, for it is a concession of their demands. natical philosophers will, of course, be true to their past history, and laugh at the idea of such movements, avowing a disposition rather to ridicule than to rejoice in them. They, in their wisdom, go at once for "the separation of Church and State," and avow their belief that such improvement, or any improvement in the Established Church, will rather tend to put back than to accelerate the desired result. With them, the measure of hope is just the measure of cor

ruption! But as we view the matter, never was the union stronger than when the whole ecclesiastical domain was covered with darkness; when the Church served herself of the State, and the State of the Church, and the cause of God was completely ignored between them! If ever Church and State shall be separated, it will only be through a revived piety, an extensive, if not an all-pervading spirituality, in the Established Church, which will rouse up a host of reformers within her own pale, whom nothing will satisfy but complete liberation from State control, -a liberation which they will be prepared to purchase, if necessary, at the expense of the complete sacrifice of all their ecclesiastical emoluments and privileges. There is a measure of piety wholly incompatible with State union and State control; we refer for the most striking illustration in ancient or modern times, to the Free Church of Scotland, with the glorious disruption from which it sprang, and the magnificent results which have followed.

ORDINATION.

On Monday, January 1st, 1855, the Rev. J. W. Benson, late of Lancashire Independent College, was ordained over the Congregational Church, Marple Bridge, Derbyshire. The Rev. W. Parkes, of Manchester, commenced by reading appropriate portions of Scripture and prayer; the Rev. S. Davidson, D.D., LL.D., Professor of Biblical Literature in the Lancashire Independent College, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. Thomas Atkins, of Glossop, asked the usual questions, and received the confession of faith; the Rev. R. Calvert, of Hyde, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. Dr. Vaughan, President of the Lancashire Independent College, gave the charge; and the morning service was closed by the Rev. R. G. Milne, M.A., of Tintwistle. Hymns were read by the Rev. J. Yeates, of Hazelgrove. In the evening, after reading and prayer, by the Rev. A. Stroyan, of Hyde, the Rev. Robert Halley, D.D., of Manchester, delivered an earnest and powerful sermon to the church, on the necessity of a revival of religion. Though the day was cold and stormy, the attendance was good, and the services were deeply interesting. Many pastors and members of neighbouring churches were present. The church at Marple Bridge has been in existence for nearly a century and a half, and the cheering hope is entertained, that the pastorate of our young brother will be long,

abundantly useful, and happy, as his commencement has been auspicious.

LOZELLS CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH, BIRMINGHAM.

This suburban offspring of the church at Carr's-lane, after passing through a series of vicissitudes and trials during the first fourteen years of its existence, has lately been invigorated, and its place of worship enlarged. The capacity of the enlarged building is fully two-thirds greater than before, and equal to respectable self-sustentation. A more commodious school-room has also been erected. The re-opening services were conducted, amid very encouraging circumstances, on the 28th January last and the 4th instant, by the Revs. J. A. James, R. A. Vaughan, W. Cuttle (the minister of the place, who has joined our denomination from the Wesleyans), and R. W. Dale. A service, on the intermediate Tuesday evening, for the Rev. A. Raleigh, of Rotherham, had been announced, but was postponed, on account of the sudden indisposition of the preacher, and a social tea-meeting substi tuted, at which a large and respectable assembly was addressed by the Revs. J. A. James, Professor Watts, W. Cuttle, and other ministers and friends. It is hoped, that this renewed effort and extension in a largelypopulated and still increasing neighbourhood, will be crowned with signal success.