THEATRE-SERVICES IN LONDON.-No one can visit the byways of London or other great cities without perceiving that Sunday is the great gala day of our social outlaws. In the alleys of St. Giles's, and amid the ruins of the Devil's Acre, they may be seen any fine Sunday afternoon by hundreds, dressed in fustian or in faded finery. But what are they doing on that sacred day? Are they listening to out-door preaching? Nay; for they are smoking, gambling, "larking,' " and not rarely, stripped to the waist, fighting. Their language is too terrible to pen; for it is not too much to say that every fourth word is an oath or an offence to decency, whilst most of their actions are too vile to depict. It need scarcely be said, then, that the Sab. bath chimes awaken no echo in their souls; for what is the sanctuary to men whose avowed creed is, "A short life and a merry one?" Content thus to live without God, they die without hope, and that in a land where the Gospel of the grace of God is taught in thousands of pulpits every Lord's day. But even a class so far above this, morally, that they would shudder to be classed with such social wrecks, namely, our stalwart labourers, do not spend their Sundays in any better way. For the bulk not only say, but really think, that religion was meant solely for the well-to-do classes, and not for labouring men. Hence, if, like the dangerous" classes, they permit their children to attend Sunday or Ragged schools, it is not from any sense of religion, but solely to get them out of their way on the only day they can do as they like. 567 Many of our Ragged-churches, however. in Jesus. Facts like these led some Christian men, under the leadership of Lord Shaftesbury, about eight years ago, to engage various theatres and music-halls as centres of evangelization; or, in other words, to preach to the "roughs" of London. Conducted by ministers and others who really believe that there is a hell, and one way only of escaping it, such services have attracted large masses of those who as much shunned the house of prayer as if it were a lazar-house. But even more than this: the rich spiritual fruit which has come out of these services proves that the Gospel is not that effete thing which some modern pseudo-philosophers, who are ignorant of Robber Need we say that classes, like these described require to be reached by some special Gospel agency? They are mostly its power, describe it to be. too old for Ragged-schools, even if the and harlot-men steeped to the lips in pride of manhood did not preclude their crime, and women sin-stained and worldattendance. It was this fact that first weary---some of these are living such suggested the use of our larger Ragged- lives of devoted service as to put hereditary schools as preaching stations on the Lord's Christians to the blush. day. Such services-significantly called It appears, by the last report of the "Ragged churches"-are now held in nearly managers of these theatre-services, that one hundred Ragged Schools, with an aggre- during the past season the Surrey Theatre, gate attendance of about six thousand. the Pavilion, Whitechapel, Sadler's Wells, Many of these preaching-stations are aided, and the City of London Theatre have been pecuniarily and otherwise, by a sister thus engaged. In addition, services have society, the "Ragged-Church Union." The been held in music-halls in Shoreditch, largest are conducted by unpaid preachers; Edgware-road, and Marylebone. In these who, so that they may declare the services ministers of every denomination "ansearchable riches of Christ" to their have cordially engaged: thus gladly placing outcast or destitute brethren, heed not the their views of church-discipline in abeystrange attire, or the sin-worn phyai- ance, if haply they might win souls. It is ognomy, of their motley congregations. estimated that above two hundred thousand By such meaus hundreds have been won to Jesus. persons, chiefly men, were thus brought under the sound of the Gospel. It was From the" Record" we abridge the following notice of a service held in the Standard Theatre, Shoreditch. opened for the first time for the preaching of the Gospel on February 10th, and attracted an immense number of men from the districts of vice and misery of the east of London. At a moderate calculation there could not have been less than three thousand persons assembled. One who was present at the opening of the doors, for a considerable time scanned the people as they entered. Without doubt they were the very class whose absence from our regular places of worship recent conferences in London and Liverpool have lamented. The order of the people during the service, from the first moment of entering the house, was an example to many of the attendants at our more popular places of worship.—Bulwark. PROTESTANTISM IN BOHEMIA AND MORAVIA. In closing the notices of this year [1867] we may observe that, while nothing of a striking character has occurred, there is evidence of life and progress in the work which is being carried on. Only a few years ago, Protestantism, in Bohemia and Moravia, was almost entirely dormant ; but it is wakening up to a sense of its wants, and increasing efforts are being put forth by the people themselves to meet them. The Christian education of their own children is the first felt necessity; and, so far as we can judge their circumstances, no great advance can be made till the means for this are secured. They are already raising sums for this purpose, which, considering their poverty, are very creditable. But foreign help seems, meanwhile, indispensable. The great difficulty lies in the commencement of some institutions for training teachers and students, in their own country, and through their own language. The aim is to make evangelical religion once more a child of the Bohemian soil. Nothing permanent is gained till this is done. But if, with God's blessing, this step were attained, there is a hopeful prospect of success. The old traditions of national greatness turn to the period when the Gospel was the word of freedom. It is at a time like this, when the minds of many are recoiling from the despotism and superstition of Ultramontanism, that we should do all in our power to keep them from the sad extreme of infidelity and license. No one who watches with any thoughtfulness the state of Europe just now, can help seeing that this is the most threatening aspect of the times,—a blind bigotry on the one side, and an equally blind unbelief on the other. The hope, under God, is, that Bible truth may find its way between them; and it is for this that we should pray and labour, wherever there is an opening. Such an opening is presented in this case. In a most remarkable way, the Austrian empire, once as much closed to the Bible as China, has gained religious liberty. The seeds of the old half-forgotten truths are springing from the soil, where God has not suffered them to die, and there are men raised up to nurse and water them. They are men in whose principles and character we have every confidence, and who are proving their self-denial and zeal in great privations. This, too, may be considered, that in these countries we are touching the edge of a wide-spread nationality. The powerful Sclavonic race, to which they belong, numbers sixty millions in Europe. It has evidently a great future before it, politically, and something should be done to gain it for the Gospel. Through the Protestants of Bohemia, Moravia, and Hungary, we have a door into the very heart of it.-Report of Evangelical Operations: Glasgow. IRELAND AND THE ROMISH CHURCH.A correspondent of "Christian Work' calls attention once more to the remarkable readiness of English people to concede at present even more than the Romish bishops want, the steady, if gradual, removal of disabilities, and the fact that Protestants suffer much inconvenience and many misgivings from the dominance of Romish exclusiveness in education, and of Romish arrogance in public life. After a hundred and eighty years a lord mayor of Dublin has attended a Roman Catholic chapel in state, and Roman Catholic judges of assize proceed with the same pomp to chapel as their Protestant brethren to church. The Ecclesiastical Titles Bill is as entirely disregarded as if it had never been passed; and Protestants are promised a good-natured but restricted toleration, such as is consistent with the Catholicism of Spain. For the time, too, Catholicism has gained strength, partly from inter marriage, partly from the displacement of the old Protestant shopkeeper in the country town by his enterprising Roman Catholic neighbour; partly from the emigration of the Protestant farmer out of Ulster, and the immigration of the Roman Catholic in his room. It is stronger in spirit, unwearied in its activity, marvellously earnest, admirably organized. Yet, though Protestant teaching has made no great breaches in it, it is really declining, by the ceaseless peasant emigration on the one hand, by the growth of intelligence on the other; for the very advance of the people in social position is negativing the intolerance of the priest. What it would be, if it gained a bolder footing in England is hard to predict; but the work it has done in half a century should not be ignored by Protestants. It has nearly two thousand four hundred chapels, of which more than two thousand have been built since 1800, at a cost of £3,500,000. In the same period it has established about three hundred convents, monasteries, hospitals, colleges, &c., at a cost of £1,500,000; besides building six hundred parsonage-houses, two thousand nine bendred and ninety school-houses, and seventy Christian brothers' schools, at a further cost of £650,000, and endowing these institutions and others; so that the total expenditure since the century opened cannot be much less than seven million pounds. The maintenance of the twentyeight bishops, two thousand five hundred and twenty-seven parochial and five hundred regular clergy, is estimated at £400,000 a year, the maintenance of the Church at over £100,000; and of hospitals, orphanages, colleges, &c., at £250,000. So that this Church of four millions, confessedly poor, taxes itself for its annual support at £750,000, besides large contributions to the Pope, the Propagation Society, and various minor missions, and without reckoning the considerable annual outlay upon new buildings. Chapels, indeed, are rising up on all hands, not from increase of worshippers, but to replace older and poorer structures; and where mass was celebrated in some miserable shed, or behind the shelter of a friendly rock, it is now performed under a gothic roof, and the full toues of the organ. In proportion to its numbers, the Romish Church, if these estimates are correct, is certainly not less, and probably more, energetic than its Protestant neighbours. There is no very definite information of the voluntary contributions of the Established Church; but the Presbyterians are said to have speut nearly a million in their church work since 1800, and they give annually more than £80,000; while some of their number are pointing out that if there were any pressure, their present revenue might be doubled, from the Sunday collections alone; and that the large increase made to many clergymen's incomes within the present year is only an earnest of the undeveloped energies of the body. BIOGRAPHICAL Ar Elm-Honse Academy, near Sittingbourne, died on the 11th of October, 1866, DAVID WESLEY VIPOND. He was the son of the Rev. William Vipond, one of the second generation of Methodist preachers, - man whose early devotedness to God, and earnest improvement of the great talents confided to him, "purchased " for him "a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesns." His high character and faithful services are thus chronicled in the Minutes of Conference for 1809:-" William Vipond, a man of a most excellent spirit, strong sense, sound judgment, extensive information, and deep piety. His ministerial abilities were great; his manner devout; his language pure, correct, and impressive. He not only spoke the words which became sound doctrine, but he put forth all his strength, both of body and soul, in the work. In every Circuit where he laboured his preaching was highly prized by the wise and judicious, and remarkably useful to all who possessed true religion, or were SKETCHES. seriously inquiring after it. For several months previous to his death he suffered much; but he suffered with that fortitude which becomes a man, and that calm resignation which becomes a Christian. At length, worn out with labour and afflic tions, he died, as he lived, with unshaken confidence in God, in the thirty-third year of his age, and the eleventh of his itinerancy." In many parts of the country, especially in the Norwich and Oxford Districts, the name of this eminent minister is still gratefully remembered, and his works do follow him. While the public records of the church preserve the recollection of the virtues of Mr. Vipond's father, the memory of his mother is enshrined still more tenderly in the hearts of those who knew her. Her character was singularly beautiful; cheerfulness and gentleness, kindness and discretion, being combined in a manner unusually winning and attractive; and the loveliness of that character shone out, even to the end of life, from a beautiful countenance. Many still living can testify how "she opened her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue was the law of kindness." It was to his mother that the training of David Vipond chiefly fell; for he was only about four years of age when his father died. He was sent to Kingswood School, where he was contemporary with the late Rev. William M. Bunting, and other distinguished ministers, for whom he ever cherished a tender affection. He afterwards settled at Sittingbourne,in Kent, where, in the year 1828, he married the daughter of that eminent servant of God, the late Mr. John Bate. Of this excellent woman, now his sorrowing widow, we will only permit ourselves to say, that "the heart of her husband did safely trust in her;" that "she did him good and not evil all the days of his life;" and that now "she is desolate," she "trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." For several years Mr. Vipond was engaged in business as a draper; but, though he exhibited considerable business talent, his heart was not thoroughly in his employment, and he repeatedly said that he was not in his right place. About the year 1848 circumstances occurred which led to his opening a school for boys. The sphere he had longed for was now found; and from that time his whole soul was given to this congenial work. Childless himself, his love to the boys committed to him was a ruling passion. He delighted in their society, continually shared in their games, and would often visit them in their rooms, and watch them while sleeping with almost a mother's tenderness. His skill as a teacher was very great; and not a few young men will be reminded, as they read these lines, of one whose indomitable patience and unwearied kindness could conquer the most sullen temper, and win the coldest heart. Comparatively early in life, Mr. Vipond experienced the converting grace of God, and applied himself with great zeal to the public work of the Church. There was a period, however, when he lost the sense of the Divine favour; and though graciously restored to spiritual peace, the recollection of his unfaithfulness caused him afterwards to keep much retired from public service. His disposition was exceedingly cheerful; his conversation overflowed with good humour; he was generous even to a fault; and exceedingly fond of society, in which he greatly shone. In the latter years of his life, when his naturally exubeant wit was chastened by the grace of God, it would be difficult to imagine a more delightful companion. Many of our ministers, who in their student life have shared his hospitality, will be prepared to endorse this statement. Through the whole of his illness, the grace of God was very abundant towards him; inasmuch as his faith never seemed to waver, nor was the enemy permitted to harass him, or a cloud of temptation to pass over his mind. "One afternoon," says his brother-in-law, "as I was standing by his bedside, he said, 'I thought I should have died yesterday morning.' I replied, 'Well, if you had, I believe, through the infinite merit of the Saviour, you would have gone to heaven.' He added, I believe I should; but my wife, my dear wife, I do not want to part with her yet!' I suggested, "The Lord's time is the best. Jesus is a loving Saviour, and He loves you!' He replied, Yes, He does, and I love Him.' I rejoined, 'The apostle said, He loved me, and gave Himself for me; and you can say the same.' He replied, I can."" On one occasion, he said to his faithful uurse, "I am sent for." To which she answered, "But you are ready!" "Yes," he said, "I am on the Rock." At another time he raised both his hands, and said, "Thanks be to God!" Mrs. Vipond added, "Who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." He replied, "O yes! He giveth me the victory." During the last fortnight of his life, he often seemed as if unconscious; but eveu then he would lie with uplifted eyes and clasped hands, as if engaged in prayer. About three days before he died, he exclaimed, "My dear boys! My heart yearns for my dear boys." His last audible words were, "Glory to God!" His funeral was a memorable one. His pupils were there, sorrowing that they would see his face no more.' Former scholars from London showed by their presence how much his conscientious kindness had touched their hearts. The service at the grave was read by one who for four years lived in his house, and assisted him in his work, and who now desires to lay this humble tribute on his tomb. F. G. MRS. PRETTY, the widow of the Rev. Joseph Pretty, was a native of Marton, a village near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. At an early age she was left an orphan, and took God" for the Guide of her youth." She acknowledged Him in all her ways, and He directed her steps from girlhood to fatherless and old lage. Her union with the Church, and her marriage to a minister of Christ, as the events have shown, were of God. These relationships brought out her great worth -in affectionate usefulness in her home, and in the Societies among which her husband laboured. Where she was best known, she was most esteemed. To her husband she was a true helpmate; visiting the widows in their afflietion. Her words were always considerately spoken, and with grace. She was wisely cautious, yet not distrustful. She endeavoured to give no offence to the Church of God; and, through grace and heavenly wisdom, she approached near the perfection of "not offending in word." In many of the Circuits to which Mr. Pretty was appointed, she formed and met classes, giving wise and faithful counsel to those who were associated with her in Christian communion. often had great power in prayer. Her She faith was not an opinion expressed in a creed, but a hidden, Divine, active principle. The truth of God lived in her understanding and affections, and was to her "spirit and life." It was translated into intelligible facts: she was a "living epistle, known and read of all men." Those who now call her to mind, remember her uniformity and consistency of life. Her walk and conversation were "as becometh the Gospel of Christ; "the doctrine of God our Saviour she "adorned in all things." In her labours and holy living she served her own generation by the will of God. the desolateness of widowhood and severe The passive graces were called forth by departed this life in Thy faith and fear; Such "elders" deserve a long remembrance; yet even those whose death is an unspeakable loss seldom wish to be pictured in print, or eulogized on marble; but retiring, and shrinking from publicity, are content with the esteem of those who knew them, and with the favour of God. This was the feeling of the subject of these liues. Public mention was not desired by her: praise would have been distasteful. No violation of her wish is likely to be perpetrated. She carefully destroyed all papers relating to her history and experience. Many of the friends who feel a profound respect for her memory think that her course of light and blessing should not be passed over in total silence; yet they can remember but few facts. Her character, however, has left its impress in their thoughts and affections. suffering. In patience she possessed her soul: it had its "perfect work." By the patience of hope, and the steadfastness of faith, her mind was kept in peace during the illness which preceded her death on December 3d, 1866. In her benefactions she remembered the poor of the household of faith; the heathen who dwell where no vision is; and those ministers and widows who, like herself and her husband, had enjoyed that small but SAMUEL WALKER. MRS. BARNSLEY, of Islington, Birmingham, was born in the year of our Lord 1802. Little is known of the events of her early life; but it is evident that when very young she was brought under the influence of religion; for at the age of fourteen we find her connected with a Christian Church assembling in Oxfordstreet, Birmingham. This connexion was maintained for several years; but after with him to Carr's-lane chapel, where her marriage to Mr. Barnsley she went of the justly-venerated John Angell James, she was privileged to enjoy the ministry of whom she ever retained an affection ate and reverential remembrance. But, residing in Islington, and the distance to Carr's-lane being considerable, Mr. and Wesleyan-Methodist chapel in their own Mrs. Barnsley were induced to attend the neighbourhood; and, after a brief interval, they both joined the Society, and began to meet in class. From that time to the close of life, a period of more than generous tribute of love which gives light in thirty years,-Mrs. Barnsley's connexion with this branch of the Christian Church was uninterrupted. This connexion she ever gratefully regarded as supplying her with the means of spiritual edification, and with opportunities of religious usefulness. the evening-tide to the aged minister or his widow, resting from faithful toil in the Church. Her private means were small; but out of them she manifested the riches of a true Christian liberality, leaving an example worthy of admiration and imita- It is only just and becoming to say, tion. For such patterns of departed that to the Church with which she was religious worth, we may very sincerely offer providentially led to identify herself, she the thanksgiving in the prayer for "the became a pillar and an ornament. Church militant here on earth;" "We bless Thy holy name for all Thy servants In attempting a portraiture of the moral and religious character of Mrs. |