By

First Class Book of Physical Geography. WILLIAM RHIND. Simpkin and Co. WE are glad again to meet Mr. Rhind, who has furnished an excellent book of its sort, which will not fail to command the patronage of the better class of schools. In this much-condensed production, there is a large amount of very important matter; and, as it is intended merely for a text-book to the pupil and the teacher of science, we can with great confidence recommend it, as admirably adapted to promote its object.

The Three Patriarchs. A Series of Scripture Stories. By MARGARETTA. Longman and Co.

MARGARETTA deals in stories, and she tells them well. We are not much enamoured, however, of her dedication to the Lord Bishop of Lichfield; otherwise the book has our hearty approbation, as comprising a number of stories of patriarchal times and events, clearly, simply, touchingly, and instructively told.

My Old Pupils. By the Author of "My Schoolboy Days," &c. Hall and Co. THE author of "School-boy Days" has a heart that will never grow old, and it is probable he will remain a favourite with his pupils so long as he is above ground. If an individual could be found to learn these chapters by heart, as a Bard of old, without book, to recite them as stories, he might enchant all the assembled school-boys of the land. He states that he was encouraged to proceed, by the favour with which his previous attempts have been received. We venture to assure him, that the present will obtain still more favour, and therefore hope that this is not "the last time" the philosopher will venture to appear. With him we concur in recommending the book "to every school-boy in the kingdom." If we greatly mistake not, while it instructs in a high degree, it will captivate every boy into whose hands it comes; and few will be able to lay it down till they have devoured the 164 pages of which it is composed.

The Morning of Life. A Memoir of Miss AN-, educated for a Nun; with original Letters from Dr. Doyle. By her Friend, M. M. C. M. Nisbet.

This work tells a tale which will touch many a heart, and, it is probable, draw some tears. Bessy made a narrow escape of spending her few brief days in the dark recesses of a nunnery; but a good hand was over her, which enlightened her darkness, burst her fetters, and made her twice free. The beautiful and highly intel

lectual portrait prefixed to the volume, represents the superior intelligence with which she was endowed. And when we tell our readers that the late celebrated Dr. Doyle put forth upon her all his powers, to restrain her within the Papal fold, it will be seen that she required something more than ordinary to bring her forth, that she might walk at liberty in the Church of God. There are here many letters of that most eloquent and eminent man, which, allowing for the deadly errors of his system, do him great credit; and the fact that such a man could correspond so largely with such a girl, shows the estimate in which he held her talents, and his desires to retain her within the Church of Rome. The book is, emphatically, one for young ladies.

Pleasant Pastime: or, Drawing-room Dramas for Private Representation by the Young. Hall and Co.

WE have no objection to such "pastime" as this, by itself. The only fear is, that it may lead to something worse; just as dancing amongst children leads to dancing amongst men and women, so the acting of such dramas as those before us must be fraught with imminent danger. Its tendency will be, where there is dramatic talent, to excite vanity, and tempt a recourse to the stage; and in the case of others, it may present the kindred temptation for them to repair to the theatre. It is, therefore, a species of book, which, notwithstanding the purity and innocence which characterise these dramas, we cannot approve.

A Collection of Spiritual Poetry. By the Rev. JAMES SMITH. Simpkin.

MR. SMITH'S name is sufficient guarantee for the purity and the piety of this volume, which will prove highly acceptable to all Christian families and individuals. It is an excellent selection. We hardly know where, of its class, to find a better. It will be alike welcome in the poor man's cottage, and the rich man's mansion.

Forty eight Melodies for Youth, for Two, Three, and Four Voices. Composed by SILCHER. Adapted to English Words, for the use of the Junior Singing-classes in the Pestalozzian Schools, Worksop, by FRANCIS L. SOPER. Novello.

ALTHOUGH this publication was meant only for a private seminary, it has sufficient claims to entitle its author to look for a larger audience. He has, therefore, done well to present it in the present form-a judgment which, we doubt not, the public will confirm.

THE Christian watchman, who has eyes to see, and ears to hear what is passing around him, even within the space of one short month, may find on the surface of this great globe much matter for serious reflection. Thus viewed, the

events of every day are full of instruction, and may tend to edification. All things may be classed under one of four heads:-CreationProvidence-the Church-the World. The two great ideas to be ever prominently brought for

ward are, GOD, and his creature, Man. All human action may be in some way connected with Christ and his several offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. In all goodness and happiness, we see the Gospel in its power-in all sin and misery, the want and the need of it, as the only instrument whereby man can be raised up, his nature changed, and the human family formed into one great brotherhood, whose delight and whose business shall be to promote one another's welfare.

ENGLAND.

PEACE.-Among all that is dark and ominous in these days of trouble, there are still a few bright rays descending through the apertures of the canopy which overspreads Europe, and among these, the chief is, the spirit of peace, which now so distinguishes the diplomacy of even the most powerful nations. The cruel and insane game of war ceases to be fashionable. For some time past, differences have obtained between the Government of England and that of Spain, the grounds of which were, as usual, a thing of naught, a thing of which two welltrained children would have been ashamed. However, the matter was gone about peacefully, and without expending an ounce of powder, or shedding a drop of blood, it has passed away; and now the Spanish Government is heaping praises upon the British Minister. The Greek quarrel, also, is brought to an end, through the mediation of France, whose Minister has very much reduced the demands of the English Government on the score of damages for injuries done to British subjects. The tone of England, in this inatter, was very high; and the petty power of Greece, which, of course, never thought of resistance, yet showed an obstinacy amounting to infatuation, in which it was believed to be sustained by Russia. British subjects, on whose behalf the quarrel was taken up, appear to have made the most of their position, since one individual, M. Pacifico, demanded no less than 12,000,000 francs, which the French moderator has reduced to 17,000. The question of the claims of British subjects of the Ionian Islands, is also settled, so that an affair which, at one time, threatened the peace of Europe, is brought to an end, a matter for congratulation on the score of humanity, and still more, of religion. Hitherto, indeed, little progress has been made, in the way of Evangelical labours in Greece, or its Islands. The only efficient Missionaries labouring are those of the United States, whose reports are of the most disheartening character, showing at the same time, a peculiarity in the state of the Grecian intellect which distinguishes it from any other, and shows that it retains much of the attribute which marked it in the days of Demosthenes. It is the same curious, impassable, atheistic thing it ever was, bidding defiance to all human attempts either to move or to elevate it.

The

EDUCATION-The subject of Education continues to excite the public mind both in Scotland and in England, but the variety of sentiment which prevails, interdicts all hope or fear of anything Legislative being done. The Government is clearly in a fix, between the Church and the Dissenters, and the various classes of

Dissenters and Scotch Churchmen, are alike at variance amongst themselves. The Established Church of Scotland and the Free Church are quite at variance, and the Free Church itself is much divided, while the genuine Voluntaries again differ from both. It seems every day becoming more clear that it is needless for people to wait the arrival of something "National." The wisdom of all the friends of light is, each class, to do in their own way the utmost in their power for the establishment of schools on the principles which most commend themselves to their own judgment. In the meantime, the work is advancing in the hands of the Congregational Board of Education, which is every day more and more confirmed in the soundness of its principles, and of the utter impossibility, as well as danger, of any attempt to establish a National System. A few days ago, it issued an important protest against the Bill of Mr. Fox, which it considers fraught with danger, and to the hearts of both teachers and pupils, contending that free education is the only safeguard of political and religious liberty, and free unfettered competition of the schoolmaster, and the Educational Society is the best guarantee for improving the systems, and creating a demand among the people for the best instruction. It will appear to every thinking man that such is the undoubted fact, and that it is with an extremely bad grace, that a Free Trade Government should interfere with the principles of free trade in education-an error, however, which arises from their all pervading interference with matters of religion. For the full development of the Free Trade principle would finally separate between Government and the Church, as well as between Government and the school, as a matter with which they can neither wisely nor justly have anything to do.

In

RAVAGES OF DEATH.-Death and affliction have of late been laying hold on the Ministry of the Gospel, both in and out of the Establishment. The celebrated Rev. Canon Bowles, Author of the "Sonnets," and father-in-law to the late Robert Southey, is no more. him, genius and taste have lost an ornamentthe Gospel, nothing; but to him must be added the names of Dr. Byrth, Rev. T. R. Grimshawe, and Rev. Mr. Bickersteth, whose praise was co-extensive with the Church of Christ, speaking the English language; and now we regret to add, good Mr. Craig, the worthy Minister of Pentonville Chapel-of-Ease, well known, and much loved in Scotland, where, as one of the Episcopalian Ministers of Edinburgh, he laboured most of his life. These gentlemen were the principal ornaments of a bad system; Mr. Craig more especially distinguished himself by his resolute and manly conduct in relation to the Bishop of London, in the case of the worthy and much wronged Mr. Shore. His Letters, on that occasion, did him honour. Thus then, Mr. Noel is out of the Establishment, and the above Ministers out of the world. Except Mr. Jordan, of Enstone, who remains, of the late little shining band, men of a kindred spirit in the Church? But Dissent is not without its share in tribulation. Several of the pulpits of Bristol are rendered vacant through affliction. That zealous, estimable, and useful minister, the Rev. Thomas Haynes, who, for fourteen years, has occupied the pulpit of Brunswick-square Chapel, has been

compelled to resign, and has retired to Cheltenham, his congregation having presented him with a very handsome testimonial on the occasion. For that place then, a minister is wanting, as also for the Chapel in Lodge-street, and several more excellent stations, forming appropriate spheres to efficient men.

LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S VISIT TO MANCHESTER.-The Prime Minister, during the holidays, has wisely accepted an invitation to visit Manchester, where he met with a very cordial reception from the Authorities, and received some discreet and grateful Addresses expressive of public feeling in these parts respecting his Lordship's character, and past services. To these Addresses the Premier made suitable replies, indicating the interest which he felt in the mighty system in the midst of which he was then placed, for the first time, since his seventeenth year-some forty years ago. The following is expressive of right feeling upon the subject, and shows a disposition to place things on their proper foundation-the intelligence, activity, and virtue of the people—propounding a truth which mankind have much need to learn, that they should look more to themselves, and less to Statesmen:

"I am glad to have the opportunity of more correctly estimating-although by a short and cursory inspection-the magnitude of the interests which are connected with the borough and neighbourhood of Manchester. There are two modes in which a Government can foster and promote trade and commerce. The first, which is the least direct, but the most powerful in its effects, is by securing to every man the impartial administration of law, and the enjoyment of personal and political freedom; the other is by the removal of restrictions and monopolies affecting trade, agriculture, and manufactures. It has been my endeavour to promote, humbly, but earnestly, in both these ways, the great interests of labour. But I cannot give the chief place to the efforts of statesmen, even far more effective than mine, for the advancement of these objects. free spirit, the independent mind, the patient industry, the inventive skill of the people of this realm, have been the main causes of growing population, increasing wealth, and augmented power."

The

LOSS OF THE "ROYAL ADELAIDE."-An awful event has occurred in the course of the month, on the coast of Kent, where the Royal Adelaide, Irish steamer, was lost with her crew and passengers, amounting to some 250 souls, fearfully showing, that the briefest voyages may be fraught with as much peril as those which cross the Atlantic, or the Indian Oceans. In this case, the loss is the more remarkable, from the fact that it is doubted whether one vessel in ten thousand that passes through the same channel is wrecked, showing the hand that superintends all things; and that there is no necessary uniformity of results which does not admit of an occasional deviation. The bulk of the passen. gers were poor people from Ireland, many, or most of them, on their way to emigrate.

EMIGRATION.-Emigration becomes increasingly a subject of attention among all classes. Parish Unions are wisely turning their attention to it, considering that the sum that would be necessary to maintain a poor family for only two or three years, would suffice to transfer them to a colony where they might obtain labour, bread, and every comfort; whereas, by remaining at home, they must continue permanent and increasing burdens upon society. The promotion of emigration seems now to have become a duty

in all those who aspire to reform society; and we are not surprised that companies should be formed to promote the same object. In the vast majority of cases, what is a man's duty is also profitable, and hence we have no doubt, as it is a duty to promote emigration, it may be made profitable to those who judiciously undertake it. It seems quite feasible that capitalists should employ their funds in acquiring large tracts of land in our untenanted colonies, and seek to locate on them persons who cannot find employment at home. The latter may, by a judicious direction being given to their exertions, while they are for a season supported, be put in the way of most amply producing for themselves, and the former gain much by so directing their exertions. We will not, however, venture to say for any company that it will be judiciously managed. We certainly think the object of the Universal Emigration Company to promote emigration and make it profitable, feasible and attainable.

THE CLERGY. -There seems the utmost reason to believe that an unassociated, but widespread and rising dissatisfaction among the clergy will, in the end, assume a practical shape. No fewer than 118 clergymen of the Diocese of Lincoln, have, through their own Bishop, petitioned the Archbishop of Canterbury on the subject of an address to Her Majesty, to issue a Royal License to the Convocation, empowering them to deliberate upon the appointment of a proper tribunal for determining all questions of doctrine.

The Archbishop, of course, declines having anything to do with the matter; but such declination is not extinction; and the feelings which prompt the petition will live. The Archbishop's reason is good; he sees the consequences, and has sufficient knowledge to perceive, that in exact proportion as the Clergy increase in power, the Church, as an Institution, will increase in peril. The English Churchman is wroth with his Grace, the Archbishop, declaring that

His Grace might just as well introduce a Bill for the perpetual abolition of all Synods of the English Church. "Our fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." Come what will-Heresies, Schisms, Corruptions, Perversions, Persecutions-the Church may be rent in twainthe children of Antichrist may sit in the chief places of the Church,-yet her Convocation is not to meet, for the annals of former Convocations" are "a lion in the way!" As well might we say that, because certain Primates of the English Church have tacitly or openly sanctioned Heresy, or promoted Heretics, therefore the annals of former Archbishoprics justify us in not filling up any future vacancies in the See of Canterbury.

Certainly after the experience of the past, and the more recent experience of the Synods and General Assemblies of Scotland, no Government of the present day will ever submit to the restoration of the Convocation.

MISS SELLON AND LORD CAMPBELL.-Henry of Exeter's Nunnery is up in arms against the Lords of the Privy Council," The Lady Superior," as Priscilla Lydia Sellon, Matron of the Orphan Home, at Plymouth, calls herself, has fallen upon the Lord Chief-Justice Campbell, who has hitherto been among the Subscribers of the Orphan Home, alias Nunnery, and also, at least nominally, on her Committee. The Lady Superior will no longer suffer his Lordship to enjoy the honour. The Chief-Justice receives the

intimation of his doom with most exemplary humility. It is not a little amusing to witness the cold, steel-hearted lawyer plead that, if possible, the stroke may be averted; and that, if it must fall, he may once more be restored to favour as soon as he may be considered purged from the guilt of his transgression; at the same time, his Lordship assures her, that the Privy Council have given "no opinion contrary to hers upon the doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration," and that they were only called upon to "construe the articles and formularies of the Church."

SCOTLAND.

DR. THOMSON.-The Thomson Testimonial' very mainly through the influence of that admirable man, Mr. Makgill Crichton, advances rapidly into the North, and we are pleased to see, that its claims have not been forgotten by some who have now been summoned from our sphere. The executors of the late Mrs. Martha Cragg, of Erpingham, Rutland, have remitted to Dr. Thomson the sum of nineteen guineas as a legacy. These are lovely things, and present an example which deserves imitation. It now admits of no doubt that something respectable will be done in Scotland, and to doubt England were to sin against all truth and all history.

CHEAP EDITION OF THE WORKS OF DR. OWEN.-The great project of Messrs. Johnstone and Hunter, for the cheap publication of the works of Dr. Owen, has succeeded much beyond expectation: a fact we are glad to record, as it will encourage publishers to engage in similar undertakings for the good of the Church. We hope this will only be the commencement of a series by the present spirited men, to whom our thanks are so justly due.

IRELAND.

THE LORD LIEUTENANCY.-Matters in Ire land remain much the same. The removal of the Lord Lieutenant, however, has excited great displeasure among the people of Dublin, more, it would seem, on commercial than on political grounds, since the impulse given by the Castle expenditure will be withdrawn, which, to a portion of tradesmen at least, will be a serious consideration. Perhaps, this is the only real loss the arrangement will create. The result will certainly be, to unite the two countries much more closely, dissipating the cloud that obscures Irish vision, preventing Irishmen from seeing things in England, in their just lights, true colours, and fair proportions. The system, hitherto, has acted most injuriously, by keeping up on this side an English view of Ireland, and on the other an Irish view of England, both equally bad and erroneous, and in their effects, mischievous. The sooner that Ireland comes to be, virtually, just the next county to Lancashire, the better, blending all interests, all passions, pursuing the common objects, and seeking the common weal in the common way-each man pressing forward to promote his own interests, for it will turn out in the end, that he who does much for himself, at the same time does much for his neighbour, and his country. Ireland wants nothing but peace and deliverance from Popery and Prelacy to raise her into a great and glorious nation. There are all the materials of a potent metropolis within her reach. The seat of a learned, stately, and opulent university,

-the head-quarters of a Commander-in-Chief, -a city with a Lord Chancellor, with a Lord Mayor, a Zoological Garden, a College of Heralds, twelve judges, swarming with lawyers, alive with attorneys and wine-merchants, teeming with doctors, a first-rate School of Surgery, abounding more than any other European capital with scientific, literary, convivial, and charitable institutions, with all sorts of clubs and associations, brotherhoods and sisterhoods, worldly and unworldly,-a city not more celebrated for her natural situation and scenery (river, sea, and mountain), than for her festive tastes and hospitable dispositions,-renowned for her markets and her tables,-we are not to be told that such a city will sink into torpor, and become a prey to incurable despondency, from the day that the Lord Lieutenant is transformed into a Secretary of State. Let nobody believe it. Some people, no doubt, who now deck themselves with feathers, and gird themselves with swords, to make a figure at court, much against the intentions of nature, and the proprieties of their stations in life, will have to submit to the grievance of having no court to shine at; but this will do no great harm, perhaps some moral good.

THE COLONIES.

THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.-All that are interested in Missions or in mankind in new conntries, will rejoice to hear of the settlement of the convict question at the Cape of Good Hope. The head of the Colonial Office has had for once the good taste and sense to do homage to the feelings of an awakened and an exasperated population by revoking his decree consigning convicts to that Colony. The arrival of the intelligence produced the most agreeable commotion throughout the Colony; a special Meeting of the Anti-Convict Association was held in the Town Hall on the 14th of February, when resolutions were passed expressive of gratitude to the Most High for the "happy deliverance of the Colony from the convict struggle." The people having carried their object, wisely and honourably returned at once to their proper allegiance, opening up the usual intercourse with the Government departments, and throwing aside all the signs and badges of public mourning which had previously been exhibited in the shops and stores. It was, moreover, determined that a general illumination, and a dinner among the members of the Association, should take place on the day that the ship Neptune took her departure. There was something rational in the dinner, but, perhaps, the oil and candles might have been spared, and the money thereby saved expended in a public dinner to those who could less afford to have one at their own expense. The immemorial folly of illuminations is coming to an end in England, and it cannot too soon cease in the Colonies. It belongs to the preposterous system of blazing away gunpowder in honour of Bishops and all sorts of great people, who cost the public enough already. In this one direction, Mr. Hume recently showed that a vast number of thousands is annually expended. Every man to his own taste. While the mixed multitude of thoughtless people shouted, feasted, and burned candles, the religious bodies very properly appointed days for public praise and thanksgiving.

WEST INDIES.-In the West Indies, things

begin somewhat to look up. After a long and dreary night, the Morning Star, at least, of a better day, seems to be setting in; and, there can be no doubt, that, ultimately, things will resume their natural condition; and that the general destruction will prove a soil out of which a Society more simple, pure, orderly and just, will arise; and that the afflictions which recent distresses have brought upon the Missionaries and their Churches will pass away. Things begin to wear a brighter aspect in agricultural pursuits in Jamaica. Cotton cultivation still continues to occupy public attention. Active operations had commenced for the purpose of producing cotton in the parish of St. Dorothy. The weather had been cool and pleasant. In various parts of the country there had been a

great deal of rain, and at St. Thomas's in the east, the weather was so boisterous that the mills were compelled to be stopped, which would very much retard the present crop.

THE CONTINENT.

ROME.-The matter of the Popedom is now settled: he entered Rome, amid the acclamations of the brutish rabble, on the 12th ult. The Jesuits, with the dexterity which distinguishes them, took the precaution to forbid that which, there was great ground to fear, would not be forthcoming; they interdicted any public demonstration of joy on the approach of the Pontiff, and recommended the supplication of his blessing. This is a good stroke.

DURHAM

AND CONGREGATIONAL SUNDERLAND.

THE anniversary of this Association was held in Bethel Chapel, Sunderland, on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of April instant. On Monday evening, the Rev. A. Jack, of North Shields, preached the annual sermon, which was followed by the observance of the Lord's Supper. The meetings for business were held on Tuesday, when a large number of ministers and delegates from the two counties attended; and the Rev. S. Goodall, of Durham, presided. At the public meeting, in the evening, very cheering statements were made respecting the various stations aided by the Association; and the tokens of Divine favour during the past year, both in the aided and self-sustained churches, were felt to supply a loud call to increased effort and contribution. Robert Wight, Esq., presided. The Rev. J. G. Rogers, B. A., of Newcastle, read the report; and the meeting was addressed by the Revs. A. Jack, treasurer; S. Goodall; C. Pedley, Chesterle-street; S. Luvin, Hartlepool; D. F. Sunderland, Amble; A. Scales, Rothbury; and J. Hardman, Barnard Castle. The anniversary was closed by a "National Conference," on Wednesday morning, when petitions against Sabbath postal labour and church-rates were adopted and very interesting papers were read by the Rev. W. D. Knowles, B.A., of Berwick, on "Christianity and the Literature of the day;" and by the Rev. Samuel Lewin, on "The best means of promoting Revived Piety in our Churches." The publication of both papers was requested. It is not too much to say, that signs of great promise are now resting upon the Congregational churches in these northern counties; whilst the principles of Independency seem to be gaining an increased command of the affection of its supporters, and the respect of other communities.

The

pastor of the Church. Collections were made after each service, in aid of the debt-fund. annual tea meeting was held on the Friday following, when upwards of 400 of the church and congregation, and friends of other denominations, sat down in the large room of the Athenæum. The Rev. Thomas Hind, the pastor of the church, in the chair. After tea, addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. Hind; J. Smith, of Brampton; G. Young, of Wigton; H. Wight, Edinburgh; J. Mann, Dumfries. The nett proceeds of the tea-party and collections will amount to £22. The contributions, &c., on account of the debt, during the year, amount to £87 10s. 4d. Since last anniversary the debt has been reduced by the sum of £900, received from a building society, which has just terminated. There still remains a debt of £1,220. Towards the wiping off of this serious incumbrance, two or three members of the church and congregation have, with extraordinary liberality, offered to contribute the sum of £600 in three years, provided the rest of the church and congregation would pledge themselves to raise £200 in the same space of time. That this will be done, there seems to be no doubt. To clear off the £420 which will still remain, it is proposed at once to take four shares in a building society.

ORDINATIONS.

On Friday, March 29th, 1850, the Rev. S. Dyson, of Lancashire Independent College, was publicly ordained pastor over the church assembling in Ebenezer Chapel, Upper Mill, Saddleworth, Yorkshire. The Rev. J. Reeve, of Morley, introduced the service by reading and prayer. The Rev. S. Davidson, D.D., LL.D., delivered a discourse on the nature of a Christian Church. The usual questions were asked by the Rev. Reuben Calvert, of Hyde. The Rev. J. Sutcliffe, F.S.A., of Ashton-under-Lyne, offered the designation prayer; and the Rev. Robert Vaughan, D.D., gave the charge to the minister, and the address to the people. Appropriate hymns were given out by the Rev. Messrs. Roberts, of Stalybridge; Pickersgill, of Marsden; Hodgson, of Oldham; Shaw, of Ovenden; Bedell, of Manchester; and Day, of Hyde.