REVIEWS. DURING a long illness, the author of this little work was surprised to find how little her attendants, with the greatest anxiety to enter into her feelings and fulfil her wishes, understood the art of nursing. She therefore wisely resolved, should returning health afford an opportunity, to draw up a short manual for the sick room; with the hope of preventing the errors of inexperience, and adding to the comfort of sufferers. 7. We rejoice that the desired opportunity was graciously afforded, and was put to so good an account. The cautions and counsels given are most judicious, and are arranged under the following heads :1. The Nurse. 2. The Patient. 3. Quiet. 4. Ventilation. 5. Putting the Room in Order. 6. Washing and Dressing. Making the Bed. 8. Meals. 9. Visits of, the Medical Man. 10. Administering Medicine. 11. Blisters, Leeches, and Poultices. 12. Night Watching. 13. Admission of Visitors. We heartily wish this little Manual formed part of the furniture of every "Sick Chamber." London : WARD, Dr. Watts; 23. Rev. J. A James; 24. Rev. J. Kirk; 25. Rev. M'Leod; 26. Rev. A. Booth; 27. Dr. A. Combe; 28. Cowper; 29. Locke; 30. Professor Stewart; 31. Rev. J. P. Smith, D.D.; 32. Rev. R. Cecil; 33. 35. Dr. Belfrage; 34. Bogatsky; Wilberforce; 36. Rev. R. Philip; 37. Rev. S. Summers; 38. Rev. Albert Barnes 39. Rev. C. Bridges; 40. Rev. R. Davis; 41. Rev. J. Warne; 42. James Simpson; 43. W. Sweetzer, M.D.; 44. Justin Martyr; 45. Blair. Liturgy for Church Sunday Schools. Pub lished by the CHURCH OF ENGLAND SUNDAY SCHOOL INSTITUTE. Ir is a matter of experience to those who have had the opportunities of noticing the state of discipline existing in many Sunday Schools, that, where the devotional services are carried on, in a liturgical form, there the discipline, at least, during the times of opening and closing the School, is superior to where an extempore prayer is used, too frequently, but ill adapted to the understandings and capacities of the children; each child who can read, having the Liturgy in his hand. and taught that he has a part to take in those petitions offered for his welfare, has, to a certain extent, his attention fixed upon it; and should some careless little one exhibit a restless position, and a wandering gaze, it is not so difficult a matter for the watchful teacher to recal the attention of his straying lamb ; and, by a look or movement of the hand, to remind him of his duty; but how difficult a task, when, instead of here and there one, the majority of a school are in this restless condition; the patience and temper of the teacher, grievously tried, threats refusing tickets, or imposing some slight punishment, having but a momentary effect, if not alto Phrenology considered in a Religious Light. By Mrs. PUGH. Paternoster Row. PERPLEXED at seeming contrarieties between Science and Scripture, met with in perusing Combe's "Constitution of Man," the fair author of this work, anxious to perform in the most efficient manner possible her task of instructing youth, wisely determined (after a long season of painful and prayerful mental exercise) to seek in a more extended knowledge of the subject, relief from the doubts which her partial acquaintance with it had engendered. She diligently perused a great number of works; and, having found relief to her own mind,gether useless; the calmness, gentleness, and she has condensed into a small compass the most important passages bearing on the subject, which she met with in the course of her extensive reading. We give the various authors' names; that the reader may see the intellectual banquet provided: -1. W. Newnham; 2. Rev. J. Newton; 3. Rev. J. Flavel; 4. Rev. Robert Hall; 5. Rev. T. Whowell; 6. C. Culdwell, M.D.; 7. George Combe; 8. J. P. F. Deleuze ; 9. Rev. C. H. Townsend; 10. Henry; 11. Scott; 12. Isaac Taylor; 13. W. B. Carpenter, M.D.; 14. Dr. Gull; 15. Dr. Spurzheim; 16. George Payne, D. D.; 17. D. Russell, D.D.; 18. T. Chalmers, D.D.; 19. Rev. J. H. Hinton; 20. Rev. Jonathan Edwards; 21. Henry Dunn; 22. firmness of spirit, that should be fostered by the teacher, before his lips are unsealed to declare the message of salvation, are disturbed, and the work that was entered on cheerfully and prayerfully goes on heavily and wearily, and why? because the means are defective. What is there more active, more vigorous, than the mind of an intelligent child. A number of these minds are brought together within the walls of a Sabbath School. They see the superintendent, or minister, take his position in the desk; a hymn is given out; there is tolerable attention; many have the hymn in their hands; they know the tune; their voices are raised; and their minds are engaged in the exercise. It ceases; prayer succeeds; they listen for a time, the sounds at length fall heavily upon their ears; their minds are not engaged in it; they become restless; some movement, some object, it matters not how trifling, presents itself to the unoccupied mind, and the teacher realises the difficulty we have described. We have been led to make these observations, believing that in doing so, we appeal to the experience of many a superintendent and teacher, but more especially with reference to the little work under review. Having felt the evil, we could not but rejoice to find that there was in the Liturgy before us, what we must deem a remedy for it. Its simplicity, and its perfectly scriptural character, must recommend it to all those who are not predisposed to reject forms of prayer altogether. We have seen it in use, and can bear testimony to the good order that prevails during the time of prayer, as with the hymn, the children take part in the exercise, and their minds are engaged. In these days of "departure from the faith," we would not recommend, without a strict examination, any work bearing such a title. But this will stand the test; and knowing the strictly evangelical character of the Institute from whence it emanates, we confidently and cordially recommend it to all those who think as we do, that such a work is a desideratum in our Sabbath Schools. MISSIONARY LABOURS, and GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY. Paper read by the REV. T. JAMES, at the Meeting for British Missions, held in Norley Street Chapel, Plymouth, on Wednesday Evening, October 14, in connexion with the Autumnal Meetings of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. This Institution sprang out of the Hibernian Society, which had been in operation for a few years, and was intended to promote the preaching of the Gospel and the establishment of Schools. After labouring for some time with varied success, the Committee were induced to relinquish the former object, and confine the operations of the Society to the promotion of education, in which, for many years, it was eminently successful. The late Rev. Matt. Wilks, and the Rev. Wm. Cooper, who, though entirely laid aside from public labour, still lives, were the chief instruments in calling into existence this new organization. With his accustomed energy, Mr. Wilks exerted himself for the new Society, which continued a favourite object with him till his death. He preached and laboured for it in this country, and visited Ireland to advance its interest there. At the beginning it was founded on a Catholic principle, and numbered amongst its supporters good men of different denominations, though its operations necessarily resulted in the establishment and support of congregational churches. For some few years has been connected with the Congregational Union of England and Wales; and though not sectarian in its spirit, is denominational in its constitution. It has existed for more than 30 years, and has been the means of great and extensive good in those districts in which its agents have laboured. It assisted to sustain the few congregational churches that were found in the sister land, when its efforts commenced; some of which would have perished, but for the timely aid of this Society; and it has called into existence the greater part of those which have since been added. Towards the erection of the Chapels of the denomination, the Society largely contributed, both from the funds of the Institution and by the influence put forth by the Committee to induce other persons to aid in the object. During the past year, the Society employed 34 Agents, who, as Pastors, Missionaries, or Scripture Readers. were diligently engaged in the propagation of Evangelical truth in the cities, towns, or villages, and rural districts of the country. The Committee annually appoint a deputa tion from London to visit the brethren, and to ascertain, by personal inspection, the result of their labours. By the visit of last year, it was ascertained that there are 150 stations and out-stations regularly or occa sionally visited by the agents, presenting an amount of effort, which it may be confidently asserted cannot be surpassed by any agents in any Missionary field whatever. By a tabular view, which is prefixed to the last Report of the Society, these labours are set out in detail, and will be read with interest by all that feel concerned in the spiritual welfare of the sister country. It might also be stated, that five or six of the agents are employed, as opportunity offers, in conveying religious truth to the Celtic or native Irish-speaking portion of the popu lation, a department of the Society's operations, which the committee are prepared to extend, whenever the services of suitable agents can be secured, and funds to sustain the effort can be obtained. The income of the Society for the past year was £2,598 8s. 2d. whilst the expenditure was £2,855 19s. 7d. showing a balance against the Society of £257 11s. 5d. The following extracts, from the Journal of one of the agents, will give some idea of the labours of the devoted men now employed in the service of the Society: I feel truly thankful that amid a season of unexampled trial and continued affliction, the Lord has continued to sustain and bless us, and to give us some measure of prosperity in his cause. It is, indeed, a time of sifting, one in which there is a mysterious work being done. Oh! that the sanctifying and enlightening influence of the Holy Spirit may come down, until the church shines forth in the transcendant glory of the purified and sanctified one. Indeed, the spirit that pervades the members, gives good reason to hope that a gracious work is begun; all feel that this is God's doing, and that this dark dispensation is for the accomplishment of wise and holy purposes. During the summer, we have had weekly morning prayer-meetings, from which much holy pleasure has been felt; these were delightful and harmonious seasons of sweet enjoyment; while they have stimulated all to do more for the salvation of souls. We have had two additions; the parents of a large family, that has recently joined the congregation, of whom I have reason to hope well. These sad times have compelled some of our friends to leave us, and go to other places in search of employment, while sickness prevails to a great extent in the congregations: yet, amid all these things that tend to diminish and discourage, our congregations have been larger during the summer, than on any former time. Thus we have reason to bless the Lord, going forward in his name and his strength. Out-Stations.-My out-stations continue equally important; they present a wide field of deep interest for the preaching of the gospel, with promise of an abundant harvest. I believe, amid the privations and afflictions of the people, the gospel is enlightening and comforting many souls, who will, through eternity, bless the Lord, for having visited them in their trials. Indeed, I often feel grateful to Almighty Grace for the sanctified influence of these trying times to the people. Amid privations, sickness, poverty, and want, it is pleasing to see the silent and patient resignation, with which these suffering poor will say, It is the Lord's will, we deserve this, and more than he has sent; and other expressions, which show the power of religion to sustain the soul. At one of my stations, a large family of weavers were, in the latter end of July, afflicted with fever. Their neighbours sent them some little things, which supported them for a time; but the malady continuing, and others being afflicted, they were left alone; thus, the family was reduced to a state of great privation. I have seen them frequently during their illness, and found them anxious to learn the way of salvation more perfectly. With the exception of a pious old man, I was their only visitor; no one crossed their threshold. While preaching in that place, on the early part of last month, I called upon them, by their request, thinking, from what I had heard, they must be in great distress. I did so, and found my fears more than realised; their case was sad. Two of the daughters were just recovering, and endeavouring to weave; a third, equally weak, was attending the sick, four of whom lay in one bed, covered with a few rags. It was, indeed, a scene fitted to excite sympathy. The poor old man was only able to say, "Oh, sir, may God bless you!" His heart was too full. I spoke to them of Jesus and his salvation, they all felt the words of a dying Lord to be sweet; they all wept. I united with them in prayer, and felt my soul enlarged, while in that sweet work. God's presence was specially felt. To two of that little company it was the last time on earth that they heard the voice of prayer. The father died during the night, and the daughter the next day. They were both put on one cart, and impressive scene. buried in one grave. It was a solemn and I attended them to the grave; our company was indeed small, as we slowly trod the path through the hills to the highway, but few, indeed, are the earthly comforts and honours of the poor; what a blessing that to the poor the Gospel is preached! May the affliction be sanctified to the remaining members of the family. I would respectfully add a brief portion from my daily journal. The duties of the Lord's day are nearly the same, with the exception of the evening place of preaching, which is changed each day to a different locality. Sabbath school in the morning; from eight until half past ten, with the Bible Class. Preaching at eleven. From half-past one until half-past three, in the Sabbath School and Bible Class. Preaching in the evening at some of my stations, from two to seven miles distant. Sept. 7th.-Visited in the neighbourhood of A-y, during the day, and preached in the evening in the house of Mr. D-, to about forty persons, and gave away some tracts. Returning home, was met by one of the people looking for me, whose son had been taken suddenly ill; went with him, and returned about midnight. Sept. 8th. Tuesday.-Visited, part of the day, at L, and attended to a small Bible Class of ten young persons, whose distance from the chapel prevented them from being at the school early on Sabbath morning. Sept. 9th. Wednesday.-Walked about eight miles through the country, visiting families, giving tracts, and conversing with the young on the essential doctrines of the Gospel, and preached in the evening at the house of Mr. S. After the service, held an interesting conversation with some people who stood in need of personal religion. Slept there that night. Sept. 10th.-Walked home, and visited families living in another part of the country; and returned home about nine o'clock at night Sept. 11th & 12th. Friday.-Waited on persons who came on Friday and Saturday to see me. I thus spent the last two days of the week in study, and in giving advice to the people on religious matters. The Sabbath.-After the usual services of the Sabbath School and preaching, I went in the evening a distance of seven miles, and preached at Kto about sixty persons, and returned that night. Monday.-Was called early this morning to see the wife of one of the members of the church who was ill of fever, and thought to be dying; walked with a poor man though the hills a distance of nearly four miles under a pelting rain, which rendered the path almost impassable. I found the poor sufferer ill; indeed, evidently dying; yet her soul was happy in the love of Jesus. I did all I could to support the family, while I spoke to the mother on the solemn subject of death, judgment, and heaven. She died next day. I might go on in transferring these notes of my daily engagements, but I fear I have already been tedious. I may add, my Sabbath School and Bible classes have been very large during this summer; and pray, that God may bless abundantly the good seed sown in this land by the agency of your Society. THE MILLIONS OF IRELAND. Mr. Editor,-I have often heard the statistics of Ireland questioned, as to the number of the millions to which her teeming population is said to amount. I have myself been at times inclined to suspect that the calculations have been made on somewhat of a sliding scale, that would allow of their being readily adjusted, so as best to suit the exigencies of the particular case, that formed the matter of immediate debate. To my own knowledge, they have mounted from seven millions as high as twelve; but seem now subsiding into a more moderate estimate of about eight or nine millions. I am well aware of the variations of the barometer and the thermometer, of which we have had ample specimens within the past few months; but I did not imagine, till lately, that the mercury employed in these useful instruments, formed a part of the apparatus, whatever it may be, by which the population of Ireland is gauged or measured. Perhaps, Mr. Editor, you or some of your correspondents may be able to throw a little light upon a subject so dark and perplexing. It has often been asserted in my hearing, that the amount of the Protestant population of Ireland, more especially, is considerably under-reckoned; and that at least half a million should be added to the usual estimate. In looking at a sheet, giving a condensed and tabular view of the entire population of Ireland, according to the last census, along with a classification of the whole, according to religious denominations, I have myself detected some egregious blunders, with reference to the number of ministers labouring in Ireland, in connexion with communities that I am acquainted with, and wherein I know the names of many more than are given as the total amount. Might not some one better acquainted with the Protestantism of Ireland, enable us to correct these mistakes? Though I fear that there are hundreds of Protestants in Ireland, as well as elsewhere, that are not worth reckoning, and quite unworthy of the name, yet, in any merely statistical review, the whole numerical strength of the Protestantism of Ireland, should certainly be fairly displayed. It strikes me, Mr. Editor, that the pages of your Magazine would be a very suitable place for the reception of any judicious attempts to rectify the mistakes, and unravel the intricacies of this department of Irish affairs. Excuse these few remarks from Yours, &c. JUSTICE TO IRELAND. ROMAN CATHOLIC VERSION OF THE TESTAMENT IN FRENCH. THIS book has at last made its appearance, under the sanction of the Archbishop of Quebec; and, although the first of the kind published by the Romish Church in this Province, seems to have excited little notice from the French journals. Even the Melanges Religieux, the organ of the Bishop of Montreal, was contented with copying a paragraph of a few lines, from a secular paper; so little is the Word of God es teemed by the Church of Rome. Does this not seem to justify the belief, that she has been forced to give it, and cares little for its circulation? The work, containing about 750 pages in 8vo., is sold at 6s.—a price too high for the poor. So far as the outward appearance of the book is concerned, it is highly creditable to the printers-would that the contents were as deserving of praise! It professes to take the translation of De Sacy for the text, but only as a foundation, the Vulgate being followed wherever a more literal translation could be made. Besides about 1500 notes at the bottom of the page, the commentary of Pere de Carrieres is inserted in the text, and which is so much swelled thereby, as, in fact, to make the book rather a Paraphrase than the Testament itself. As might be expected, both the translation, the paraphrase, and the notes, without regard to the original, are made to teach the most unscriptural dogmas of the Romish Church; and although these additions are in Italics, and in the preface are so stated, yet there is great danger that the ignorant reader will either forget that they are of man's invention, or regard them as of equal authority with the Word of God, as, indeed, the Romish Church inculcates. What hypocrisy is it for the priests to accuse Protestants of falsifying the Bible, after so daringly corrupting and perverting the truth of God in this instance Ministers of this city have publicly offered to defend our translation against the calumny of the priests. Will the latter come forward to maintain the correctness of the present work ?-which is so glaringly incorrect, that we cannot call it the Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. -Missionary Record. ALARMING STATE OF IRELAND. There is no wonder that Ireland is in such a calamitous state, when its gentry and middle classes exhibit such a total want of all prudence and business habits as the proceedings at many of the Barony Sessions display. Take the following as an instance, though we confess it appears to have been rather an extreme case; it is from a report of the proceedings of the Presentment Sessions for the barony of West Muskerry, held at the Court House, Macroom, on Tuesday week : 66 Mr. M. H. WARREN had made a calculation of the amount necessary to feed the people for three mouths.-Mr. J. M'CARTHY: Three months won't do. (Cheers.) Mr. M. H. WARREN would recommend them to vote sufficient for three months and no more. (Uproar.) Mr. J. E. M'CARTHY : That would be doing nothing, considering the misery of the people. (Cheers.) Mr. M. H. WARREN: After the instructions of the Lord Lieutenant, it is right that we get breathing time-that we be enabled to see our way, and consider whether we can take advantage of the plan proposed for draining. (Disapprobation.) If we have not works enough, we can call another sessions. (Uproar.) Mr. M'CARTHY moved that they should take the presentments in alphabetical order. (No, no; yes, yes; and uproar.) Mr. JOHNSON conceived that the first step was to estimate the sum necessary to be raised off the barony. (Cheers.) CHAIRMAN: Now which shall we estimate, for three or six months? Cries of six, six, and great, uproar.) I think the decision must be in favour of six months. (Cheers.) Mr. M. WARREN: Then, sir, I demand a poll. (Tremendous uproar.) Mr. J. B. WARREN: It is useless to say anything. You may as well let it pass. (Cheers.) Mr. M. WARREN: No; I again call for a poll. (Renewed clamour.) CHAIRMAN: Let it pass. The government will exercise a controlling power. (Cheers and confusion.) Mr. M. WARREN: Then I will withdrawn it. (Cheers.) But in my opinion you should go on the valuation of the barony, and pass only as many presentments as would give employment for six months. (No, no o; yes, yes; and uproar.)" FRENCH CANADIAN MISSIOMARY SOCIETY. Extract from the Journal of the Missionaries. SEARCHING FOR PARDON. Mr. Tanner writes I was accosted by an old man in the surburbs, who asked me, if I spoke French? and being answered in the affirmative, the following conversation ensued: Old Man. I am a poor Canadian, come from Burlington, where my family is. I am sick, and in great distress; could you not relieve me? I have come to get medical advice, and to have my conscience cleansed. Mr. T. Could you not have it cleansed at Burlington? O. M. No, sir, there is no priest there now. Mr. T. But is not God there as well as in Montreal. O. M. Yes, my father (taking me for a priest), He is in heaven, on the earth, and every where but there is no priest in Burlington. I expected to take the communion this morning, but my confessor would not allow me, as my mouth is very sore; and he said it would not be right to receive the Bon Dieu (the Good God) while it was so sore. |