money will be borrowed to meet the deficiency; and that, therefore, the churches may take it easy. It is not so! The words of the Directors are words of solid truth, and the expression of a resolute determination; and, if the churches fail, the dreaded contingency will inevitably be realized, and whatever, in point of personal grief or agony, it may cost them, they will be driven to the performance of their word, by an all-controlling necessity. But, courage! Nothing more is wanted to success but regular and systematic effort. The following words of the "Appeal of the Directors," above referred to, are worthy of serious consideration :

"If the effective measures applied by some of the pastors of our churches were adopted by all, the result would prove no less surprising than delightful. An inspection of the Society's Report will prove that several congregations, both in London and the country, neither distinguished by wealth nor numbers, contribute annually a larger amount than all the churches of a county."

Taken as a whole, there can be no doubt that the London churches are much more efficiently worked than those of the country. We cannot do better, perhaps, than instance this in the case of a single church-that presided over by the Foreign Secretary, in Barbican Chapel.

This

-an

somewhat ancient edifice is one of comparatively small dimensions, and such as admits of no further enlargement. In point of wealth, the church assembling in it occupies only an average place among Nonconformist churches, both in the city and in the country: in the language of the "Appeal," it may be correctly designated as "neither distinguished by wealth nor numbers;" and yet, from their unity, zeal, system, principle,efficient body of deacons, a few thoroughly working members of both sexes, and the presidency of a pastor who, to his other eminent accomplishments, adds those of a consummate man of business, -from these this comparatively small community works wonders, presenting an example and a reproach to the great majority of British churches. One part of its excellent policy is, the publication of periodical reports of its religious and benevolent institutions, containing simply the receipts and disbursements of the several Societies, and the list of the subscribers by which they are severally supported. These documents form the best proof and illustration of the passage in the "Appeal of the Directors" anywhere

to be found; and, for the present purpose, they possess an obvious pertinence and value which could not attach to like documents from any other source, showing, as they do, that he who penned the "Appeal" practises the precepts he recommends to others. His own flock affords a most striking example of what he so respectfully suggests to the churches of every community who support the London Missionary Society. Consistency always strengthens the hands and fortifies the counsels of official men, and it is, therefore, of some importance that such consistency should be known. It is, therefore, with no small satisfaction that we proclaim it on the present occasion, even if by so doing we should give a gentle shock to the nerves of the Foreign Secretary, who, we need hardly say, is utterly ignorant of our present lucubration, and will come to be apprized of it only in the same way, and at the same time, as the public at large. He is, we believe, wholly unacquainted with the fact that we possess the documents, which have long been lying by in store, as they belong to a class of papers to which we are exceedingly partial. The following statement shows the contributions to the several Societies for three years, viz., 1839, 1843, and 1845:

The money contribution for the poor at the Lord's table, amounting to about £80 per annum, has to be added to each of these totals, as also a variety of collections, from time to time, for divers objects; for in this way, perhaps, no City congregation does more. The pastor's salary, it will be observed, is not included, this being simply the proceeds of the pew-rents. To the church and congregation, then, of Barbican Chapel, under the pastoral care of the Rev. A. Tidman, we point the entire body of the churches which support the London Missionary Society, as supplying an example deserving universal imitation. Were every part of the vineyard to be wrought

with equal skill and system, we hesitate not to affirm that the proceeds of the Society would fall little, if at all, below the annual sum of £200,000!

It can hardly be necessary to say, that the Directors of the London Missionary Society, with their Secretaries, are in no respect whatever parties to this homily; nor are they, even in the slightest degree, cognizant of it. It is simply our own interpretation of the language of their Report of last May, and of the accredited statements of the several speakers by which that Report was sustained. In thus pressing the subject on the attention of our readers, we are simply discharging what we conceive a great public duty, devolving upon us in virtue of our functions.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

HANKEY INSTITUTION, SOUTHERN AFRICA. THE native teacher, to whom reference is made in the subjoined communication, is supported by Christian friends, at Stromness, in the Orkney Islands. The Rev. T. D. Philip, under whose superintendence he acts, corresponds with his kind supporters; and the following letter, dated June 1, 1848, is the latest which they have received from him. It embraces an interesting view of the labours of the Missionary, and the progress of his station, both in its secular and religious interests, since the month of October, 1847, when the locality was visited by one of those destructive floods which so frequently occur in this part of the world. The dispensation was indescribably painful and distressing; but the statement of Mr. Philip shows, that it has been sanctified to many of those who suffered by it :

"To the Church at Stromness.

"MY DEAR FRIENDS,-A longer interval has elapsed since last I wrote to you than I had ever intended, but the nature of my duties is such that I must plead them as my excuse. You will, doubtless, have sympathised with the church at Hankey, in that distress into which they were thrown by the flood. They have now, in great measure, recovered from that blow; have resumed the building of the new village with zeal; and have done much towards repairing the evils which it brought on them. The inhabitants of this colony behaved towards them with the greatest liberality; and their generous donations have been employed by me chiefly in removing the obstruction in their water-courses, which are truly the sources of their livelihood.

"I am happy to inform you that we have very nearly finished a new school-room for the children and people under the charge of the native teacher, Cupida, who is supported by your donation. It is forty feet long by twenty wide, and will serve for chapel as well as schoolroom. It has been no expense to the Society. His labours have been for some time interrupted by the want of a suitable school-room, but will very shortly be resumed in the new house. He is not so energetic in character as could have

been wished, but he is steady and influential among the people, and the children make progress. I wish he were a livelier preacher.

"I am happy to report to you that the providential dealings of God with us have not been without a beneficial effect. Several have been admitted to church membership, and between thirty and forty are now inquiring, and in the position of candidates, respecting many of whom I have a good hope. The solemn scenes of that fearful day, when the waters went over so many of their friends, and the deeply affecting circumstances of Mrs. Philip, my mother's, death, were not lost to them, but will, I trust, bring forth among them the peaceable fruits of righteousness.

"My exertions have latterly been directed to restrain the prevalence of drunkenness, which, although it has always been sufficiently virulent as an evil in this colony, has since the Kafir war become much aggravated. All classes are very much disposed to it in this country; and I found that many who maintained an orderly conduct on the place, were liable to be led into it when temptation was thrown in their way without.

"Now temptations are by no means wanting in this colony, for large quantities of brandy are manufactured from all kinds of fruit by the farmers (a very fiery spirit), and the coloured people have the art of making honey ferment very rapidly, by the mixture of certain drugs with it. Now, honey is to be found here in extraordinary profusion, and the liquor made from it is very intoxicating; and as it will not keep, they generally drink up at once all they make. I felt, therefore, that this evil which had begun to show itself on the place, needed something more than stringent laws and outward applications. It needed to be reached in the heart itself. I therefore sought first, by frequent conversations, to engage the zeal of the most influential church members in the matter. Several church meetings were held, in which the case was solemnly laid before the members, not without prayer, and their zealous and honest co-operation was urged. I then ventured to lay the thing before the people in a general meeting, and invited them to join me in signing the total abstinence pledge. To this appeal almost all the church members responded, and a number of the other people; and I am happy to say, that the influence of these proceedings has been anything but superficial—a most beneficial effect has been exerted even upon those of whom we had the least hope, and we have experienced the leavening effect of the total abstinence principle, I should rather say of Christianity, when carried out, not in its letter merely, but in its true spirit, even upon those who do not make any such resolution.

"I have lately organised our adult sabbathschool upon a new footing; the principal differences of which from the former and common plan are, that I give the monitors of the various classes written questions and answers in the passage to be read, upon which I examine them three or four times during the week, so that they may be fully prepared to instruct their class, and give them all proper information on the sabbath. I then publicly examine the school upon the lesson thus taught on the sabbath afternoon. Their acquaintance with the Scripture becomes more extensive and

accurate, and they learn to think upon what they read. There has, therefore, been a very visible improvement in the attendance upon these schools, and the interest of the learners. I hope thus to see them become, like the Scotch nation from a similar training, eminent for their knowledge of the Scriptures. In this respect I must acknowledge them to be at present very deficient. I am happy to express my conviction, not that they are as a people without faults, but (which is all that a reasonable supporter of Missions could require) in a state of progress. The Gospel has not become a lifeless form; it is still a living principle, urging them forward in Christianity as well as in civilization.

"You are, perhaps, not aware that I have several Missionaries' sons along with me here, studying in preparation for the same work. They necessarily take up a large portion of my time, and make my other duties heavy; but, I trust, the Lord will sustain me, and enable me to persevere in them all.

"The church of this place present their Christian love and intercessions on behalf of their brethren and sisters in Stromness, with many thanks for their liberality. The Lord reward you who have loved those who were unknown to you!

"I have great pleasure in joining my own best hopes and prayers for your welfare to theirs; and desire that we may meet one another as large companies of believers in the inheritance of the blessed!

"I remain, my dear Friends,

"Yours sincerely,

"THOMAS DURANT PHILIP.

Each

"I was born at Saynamvilly, near Knill Chapel, in 1811. My parents were part-owners of several idol-temples, in which Pathra- Kalee and other demons were worshipped. partner contributed from one to ten fanams a year, and sacrificed sheep and fowls, accompanied with playing of musical instruments, letting off fire-works, and other amusements. My father was the priest, and had charge of the temples. Whilst my relations were thus zealously serving the devil, I was sent to learn in the Mission-school at Valuthalam-pallam. It was afterwards commonly reported, that the children taught in these charity-schools were to be taken by the white men,' and sent away in their ships. My mother being frightened, went one morning before the dawn of day to the school, and brought away my lesson-books, and sent me to learn in a heathen school.

·

"Soon after this, a teacher, named Paul, collected several families by the preaching of the Gospel, and came to our house with the moopen, or elder of the congregation. On seeing them approach my mother cried out,' See the reader is coming; go and hide.' I immediately went and concealed myself. They had no encouragement given them to read or speak that day, and they left the house; but the reader afterwards began to converse with me about Christianity, and placed in my hand a tract, entitled,The Pearl of Great Price.' I was not able to read it fluently, and the reader encouraged me to go to the Mission-school. There I began to learn with diligence, and to perceive the importance of Christianity. I spoke to my parents of what I felt, and urged them to receive the true religion. My mother said, that, as I was their only son, she was afraid of provoking the devils, who would kill me if she became a Christian. She remained for a time firm in her belief and dread of the demons. I ceased not from advising her to forsake her destructive ways; and it pleased the Lord in his own time effectually to turn her mind. One day in the month of March, 1829, when every preparation was made for us to go to the feast of Mundacandoo, my mother unexpectedly said to my father, Let us now leave these devils, and give ourselves up to the service of the true God.' Then we all went and joined in Christian worship at the school-room, which was then only a small shed made of bamboos and cocoa-nut leaves.

"I was admitted about two years afterwards into the Home school at Neyoor, where I acquired a further knowledge of the truths of Christianity, and became convinced that my nature was corrupt, and my conduct sinful. Whenever I reflected on this I was much disturbed, and nothing relieved me but the thought that there was a Saviour willing and able to deliver me. I gradually perceived that forgiveness and sanctification could only be had through Jesus Christ, and that I must repent of my sins and flee to him with my whole heart or perish.

"Several years after, I was sent out as an assistant to the native teacher, Paul. We read and taught the Catechism and Scriptures at Saynamvilly and other places, where most of the people had newly come forward and forsaken idolatry. I married in 1832, the daughter of the late reader Antheandoa, near Nagercoil. We have three children, one boy and two girls.

"In 1833, I was appointed to Vadacancary. The number of Christian families at that time was sixteen, at present there are fifty-two. I am thankful to state that the blessing of God has attended my labours in this neighbourhood. At Sellenconam a small congregation has been collected, and a Mission chapel commenced; at Cadeyoor several families now regularly assemble for prayer in the school-room, which was built partly by the people themselves; and at Mancodu a number of families and school-children are under instruction.

"I feel much delight in my duties; and when I witness the conversion of those who had long refused to turn to God, and perceive others growing in grace and knowledge, I am encouraged in my efforts to be increasingly useful. Several heathens at Carucupany and other

places, who had long turned a deaf ear to the word of life, seem somewhat convinced of the sinfulness of idolatry.

"Those who have been under the sound of the Gospel for a considerable time, express sincere contrition for their sins, pay good attention to my exhortations and reading of the Scriptures, regularly attend the chapel for Divine worship, and have family prayers: eighteen have been baptized, and there are five candidates. A few of the congregation conduct themselves in a very distressing manner; they sometimes break the sabbath, listen to the advice of their idolatrous relations in time of sickness, and, through fear of those in authority, assist in doing work for the idol temples.

"Among several devoted disciples in the congregations who have entered into the joy of their Lord since my labours commenced, were the following:

"1. A Christian named Kunamudean, who was generally remarked for his holy conduct. His occupation was climbing the palmyra trees. Though he had to climb from sixty to seventy palmyras daily, he would on Sundays finish climbing before seven in the morning, and afterwards attend the chapel for both services. was suddenly removed by cholera in the thirtieth year of his age, to enjoy, we trust, the happiness of heaven.

He

"2. The late Davavarun, of Pitchenvilly, was an interesting character. A long time before renouncing idolatry, he used to attend the chapel without kneeling down in prayer; but, at length, he joined the congregation by falling on his knees, and praying to Christ for the pardon of his sins. From that time he openly professed to be a Christian. His wife and children, brother and brother's wife, are all baptized. He died of dysentery after a protracted illness. As his end drew near he sent for all his children and other relations (forty in number), and told them not to be grieved at his leaving them, for he was going to a better world. He exhorted them to hold fast the faith they had embraced to the end of their lives, that all might be well with them as it then was with himself. There

were about fifty of his heathen relations likewise present on this occasion.

"3. My deceased mother was a sincere and humble follower of Christ. She had never been taught to read, but could repeat a number of passages from the Gospels and Epistles. She was always ready with her texts, which she repeated in the chapel with interest and child-like simplicity. She was a member of the church, and attended regularly at Knill Chapel. She was accustomed to visit the sick, to assist and comfort them in their affliction, but avoided as much as possible any intercourse with her idolatrous relations. In 1840 she was afflicted with rheumatism, and, after some suffering, died in the sure hope of eternal life.

"4. Parinbamsotto, at Suttanvilly, was a very pious man. As he could not read, he used to assemble his family, repeat the passages he had learned from the readers and assistants, make a few remarks on them, and offer up his fervent petitions to the throne of grace. He never left the house in the morning till he had engaged in private devotion and meditation. When he was from home he embraced every opportunity of speaking to the heathen about the excellency of Christ and his salvation. During his last illness he was asked, On what

his hopes of heaven were founded?' He said, 'On Christ; and I believe firmly that the Lord Jesus will not forsake me now, but receive me into his kingdom.' He gave directions that his remains after death should not be given up for interment to his heathen relations. He made a will, written on the palmyra-leaf, bequeathing some garden grounds, worth about 500 fanams, toward the enlargement of Dartmouth Chapel, and calmly departed.

"In conclusion, I am glad to add that several of the Vadacancary congregation are in the habit of visiting the sick, and relieving the poor either by money or grain. They also render general assistance in promoting the cause of God; and they will do still more when they become better acquainted with his love, in providing redemption for sinners, and sending the Gospel to the ends of the earth.""

Our Scottish Clergy: Fifty-two Sketches, Biographical, Theological, and Critical, including Clergymen of all Denominations. Edited by JOHN SMITH, A.M., Author of "Sacred Biography," &c., &c. Super octavo, pp. 400. Oliver

and Boyd; Simpkin and Marshall. WE are pleased, at length, to see this mass of masterly Sketches embodied in a volume, as thus it is put in the way of general circulation and permanent usefulness. Having read them, mostly, as they appeared from time to time in the columns of our excellent contemporary, the Glasgow Examiner, our minds have long since been made up as to their

merits; and as we have more than once given public expression to our opinions, we have little to add that has not been already stated. Viewing them as a whole, they are incomparably the best thing of the kind that has yet appeared on either side of the Tweed; indeed, the only thing of the sort really worthy of the subject. The three volumes of Onesimus, which appeared some thirty years ago, were all that could be expected from the author, although they were but rubbish. Now, for the "Sketches of our Scottish Clergy,' which in every point exhibit very unusual merit, they are strongly marked by that which must ever form the basis of all

true criticism-vigorous common sense; and hence arises their self-evident quality, which bears the reader forward in a very pleasing manner. Seldom has he the smallest disposition to dispute points with his teacher. The intercourse resembles that of refined, high-toned company, in which the stream of conversation flows rapidly and strong, and yet without the slightest ingredient of controversial harshness. Again, the theology is remarkable for its luminousness and soundness. There is, moreover, a generous strewing of the whole with principles both rhetorical, ethical, and literary, which cannot fail to be very useful, both to the present and the coming age. Again, the Sketches, as a whole, are marked by a keen sense of propriety, which has not been sparing of its favours when they were required. Propriety-pulpit propriety-is a quality which, in pastors, can scarcely be overvalued, and yet a quality in which some worthy men are greatly wanting. There are few pulpit evils of magnitude that have not been specified and exposed in some of these Sketches. Never was the subject of chronology turned so ingeniously and successfully to practical account. The proportion of the several parts of a public service has been excellently and profitably discussed, and cannot fail to be generally useful. The writer's notions of Lecturing and Preaching seem to us quite correct, and both exceedingly just; and, as such, are adapted to profit the parties immediately concerned, and also all those of whom they may severally be considered the types. They have no stock either of stereotyped phrases or images; they take each case per se, and deal with it according to its qualities and circumstances, and hence they show no signs of exhaustion. Lastly, but not least, the Sketches are distinguished by a goodly measure of integrity, which the public will not fail to appreciate. We have observed with satisfaction that ministers of every sect and class are treated with proper freedom. Such, from the first, were the general impressions made upon our minds by the series; we confidently predicted for them great popularity both in Scotland and England, and now the hour for testing the truth of the prediction has arrived, our confidence is by no means shaken as to the results.

We have only further to add, that these Sketches must not be confounded with anything of the sort that has yet been given to the public. The only thing that can be compared with them is the

"Centenary Sketches of the Wesleyan Conference Ministers," which, in their own way, possess extraordinary and unrivalled merit; but that celebrated volume, in character and object, differs materially from the work before us, which is more thoroughly a volume on preachers and preaching, and the conduct of the exercises of public devotion; and in these aspects it is calculated to be exceedingly useful. It is, in fact, a course of lectures which might have emanated from the Academic Chair; they abound in great principles and just canons, confirmed and illustrated by these living examples. As we have said on a former occasion, they exhibit the application of sound criticism to the highest of all functions, in the spirit alike of the true gospel and of true philosophy. It is a fact deserving of notice, that most of the Sketches are actually connected with some special or common sabbath service, conducted by the individual in question, from which they derive a peculiar air of real life, which belongs to no other compositions of this sort. The exact propriety of employing any part of the sacred day to this species of delineation, is no part of our present inquiry. Were the object or the tendency of these disquisitions to convert a worshipping assembly into a senate of criticism, we should certainly entertain doubts, and feel disposed to go somewhat into the matter; but of this there is no fear whatever and in the individual case of the critical authors of "Our Scottish Clergy," were it needful, we should find little difficulty in defending the deed. As a specimen of the goodly volume, we offer the following extract from the sketch of the venerable Dr. Wardlaw, which will, we think, fully sustain the opinions we have here adventured. The number of sketches is fifty-two:

In giving a rapid outline of Dr. Wardlaw as a preacher, theologian, and ethicist, we shall proceed in a philosophical order, however much we may violate philosophical accuracy in our progress. The two great divisions of philosophy are observation and deduction-the inspection of facts, and accounting for these facts. According to this order, we consider first the position and the influence of the subject of our sketch. The author of "Literary Portraits" acknowledges Dr. Wardlaw the facile princeps of Dissent, and almost the unanimous public affirms the correctness of this allotment. The place assigned him in all public meetings, whether political, educational, or religious, the verdict of the entire public press, the deference with which his opinions are received, and the number and character of his ecclesiastical assailants, all confirm the correctness of the above opinion. A whole host of scribblers have most perseveringly