of the controversy, that Christ, and not the Pope, is the great Head of the Church; that His Church is not characterized by adhesion to Rome, but is composed of all, in every place, and of every name, who worship Him in spirit and in truth; and that the "preaching of Christ and Him crucified only," must exhibit Him, as able to save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by Him; to the utter exclusion of any reliance upon masses for the repose of souls, the supposed merits of alms-giving while alive and the posthumous and questionable piety of bequests in a dying hour for purposes that are often far from being really charitable, and not unfrequently grossly superstitious.

:

IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY. MISSION TO CONNAUGHT. We have much pleasure in giving insertion to the following paper. The plan it developes is calculated to effect, by the Divine blessing, great good. It is gratifying to see that the Committee of the Irish Evangelical Society are exerting themselves so energetically for Ireland's benefit. This effort, and the plan for the sale of books by means of colporteurs, which will be found in another part of our present number, have our cordial recommendation; and we cannot but express our hope that the British Churches will render that ample support which will enable the Committee fully to carry out their benevolent designs.

The Committee having for some time past had their attention directed to the province of Connaught, as needing, more than any other part of Ireland, the efforts of Christian zeal for its evangelization, have resolved to organize a Mission to that portion of the Sister Country, on as extensive a scale as the liberality of the friends of pure Christianity in Britain will enable them to sustain. They have instituted those preliminary inquiries which were necessary, in order to an accurate view of the state of the district; the result of which, whilst it presents a deplorable picture of the moral and spiritual condition of the people, will furnish a powerful plea for efforts more commensurate with the necessities of the case. The province contains five counties, viz. Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo. The population amounts to 1,418,859 souls, a large proportion of whom understand only the native Irish language. The relative numbers of Catholics and Protestants cannot be accurately ascertained; but some idea may be formed, from the fact that 447 Catholics are engaged in the province in "ministering to religion;" whilst there are only 268 Protestants so employed, including all denominations. But as, in many instances, very few Protestants are found in a parish, it may be fairly assumed that, at least, nine-tenths of the entire

population are devoted Papists. Of the number of Protestants "ministering to religion," 153 are of the Episcopal Church, and the remaining 115 include every non-conforming community, and every class of teachers. Of these it does not appear that more than twenty-eight are Ministers and Missionaries, the rest being Scripture readers, and agents of that description. Thus it will be found, that of the Protestants, including every class of teachers, and every denomination, there is one to every 5294 of the inhabitants; and, exclusive of the Episcopal Church, there is but one to every 12,286 persons; and, assuming the number of Ministers and Missionaries to be correctly stated in the Parliamentary return, at twenty-eight, there is but one Dissenting minister, Presbyterian, Independent, Baptist, or Methodist, to every 50,673 souls. Some relief to this gloomy picture is found in the devoted labors of some of the Episcopal clergy, who in their parishes are making full proof of their ministry; and, in some cases, it is believed, with gratifying results. The Achill Mission, also, is situated in this province; in connexion with which an amount of good has been effected, at which every one attached to the great doctrines of the Reformation must sincerely rejoice. It is not as rivals, much less as opponents, but as co-adjutors in this great work, that the Committee would enter on this field of missionary labour. And as they participate in the joy which honoured brethren of other communions feel, when their efforts are crowned with the Divine blessing, so they cherish the belief, that should success attend the enterprize now undertaken, it will excite no jealousy in the minds of those, who, by their persevering labours, have given clear evidence of their concern for the honour of Christ, and the salvation of souls. The state of education in the province affords no greater satisfaction than the details given above. Less progress has been made in this province, during the past century, than in any part of the country; excepting only the county of Kerry. In the Parliamentary return, the age at which it is assumed education commences is five years. There are in Connaught 1,228,776 persons of that age, and upwards. Of these there are 200,677 who can read and write; 142,636 who can read only, and 885,463 who can neither read nor write! This picture is gloomy indeed. Scarcely any portion of the globe, occupied by the Missionaries of the cross, can present a scene of greater ignorance than this section of the British Empire. The islands of the Western or Southern Seas are in a paradisiacal state, compared with the province of Connaught. The physical beauties and sublimities, which in every direction arrest the attention and excite the admiration of the traveller, are in striking contrast with the miserable condition of multitudes of its inhabitants, whose ignorance of the very first principles of the religion

of the Bible cannot be surpassed by the population of any part of the civilized world.

It is to this scene of moral and spiritual destitution the Committee are anxious to send the messengers of salvation. They purpose, if adequately sustained, to establish, in some suitable central spot, two or three or more Missionaries, with at least six well qualified Scripture readers and colporteurs. The greater part of these to be capable of conversing or preaching in the Irish language. From the centre selected, they will be able to journey in all directions throughout the province, and to preach the Gospel as opportunities may offer. The Scripture readers will penetrate to the more remote and secluded spots; and by visiting the people in their cabins, and conversing with them on the great truths of the Gospel, may hope to bring some of these wandering sheep on the mountains into the fold of the great and good Shepherd. The Committee have already in their service several well qualified agents, who will be immediately removed to this new field of missionary enterprize; whilst others have offered themselves for the work. All that is necessary for the commencement and progress of the undertaking is sufficient funds. The income of the Society is barely sufficient to meet its present expenditure. Special contributions are therefore most earnestly solicited; nor can the Committee bring themselves to believe that a necessity so crying, can be presented to the prayerful consideration of the Churches of Britain without meeting with a cordial response. Contributions in aid of this object, will be received by the Treasurer, T. M. Combs, Esq., 14, Ludgate Street; by the Secretaries, Rev. T. James, and Rev. G. Smith, at the Office of the Society, 7, Bloomfield Street, Finsbury; or by Messrs. Hankey, Bankers, Fenchurch Street, London.

AN ADDRESS TO THE YOUNG OF THE CHURCHES IN ENGLAND, ON BEHALF OF IRELAND.

BELOVED YOUNG FRIENDS,

It is now high time that we should awake from the deep lethargy in which we have so long been indulging, and exert every energy in our power in assisting to spread the great and glorious cause of our blessed Redeemer. It is true, much has been done for this great and blessed cause; but still there remains much more to be done and by whom must this be done? Can we look to those who are declining in life to extend this cause and exert themselves as they once did? Surely not! But rather let us, who are young, arise, and, with redoubled vigour, set manfully to work and do our very utmost; that all who have not yet heard the glad sound of the Gospel,

:

may, ere long, become partakers of its blessedness. Much has been done by our young friends for the Missionary cause; and this is, indeed, a good and noble cause: but still, much as has been done for this cause, there is another cause which I think has been greatly neglected by our young friends; I mean, the cause of poor IRELAND! Amongst all the good and noble objects in which our young friends stand foremost, I think they must have forgotten poor neglected Ireland. Is it not possible that something I think it is. You are all might be done by you for the poor Irish? well aware that Ireland is a country dear to many of us; and it is a country, too, that is overrun (if you will allow me such an expression), with Popery; a religion which is destroying its thousands-a religion which is as dreadful as Paganism, or Hindooism, because it is contrary to God's most holy Word. And surely there are none of our young friends who will, afte they have been told such facts as these, turn away and say, I will not do anything for Ireland, because I do not see that it is my duty. Dear young friends, it is as much your duty (whether you see it or not) to do your utmost for Ireland, as it is your duty to do so for any other country; and depend upon it, if such be your resolutions, God will be much displeased with you; and surely you would not wish to offend him. It is your duty to assist in sounding the Word of eternal life to Ireland! First, because Christ himself has commanded you. Has he not said, "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature?" and, although you may not preach this Gospel yourselves, yet it is your duty to assist in sending out such men as will preach it faithfully. But how can they go except they be sent." Is it a thing of no importance that your fellow-men, in Ireland, are perishing, daily, for lack of the Gospel? Is the loss of an immortal soul of little moment? Surely not: and if not, what then must be the loss of thousands? O, then, dear young friends, as you value your own souls and the blessedness of the Gospel, neglect no longer the eternal interests of your perishing fellow-countrymen, the Irish! but arise, and by vigorous efforts, endeavour to send them the Gospel. Secondly, it is your duty to send the Gospel to Ireland, because you are blessed with the enjoyment of all its great privileges; and surely you would not wish them to be deprived of such great and unspeakable blessings. Let, then, young persons determine that they will no longer be callous and indifferent to the religious state of that beloved country; and resolve, by the assistance of the Spirit of God, to do their utmost. And may God bless and prosper you in all you do for the advancement of his cause. There are, doubtless, those around you who would be glad to receive any subscription or donation from you for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause in Ireland. Trusting, Mr. Editor, you will allow this feeble address to be inserted in your valuable Journal, Believe me, yours, sincerely,

A TRUE FRIEND TO IRELand.

Missionary Stations and Labours.