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same. My poor little heart fluttered like a new-caught bird in a cage, and I was in a state of most indescribable fear. I did not see the devil, but I imagined we were in the company of thousands. For some time the perspiration exuded from every pore of my father's skin, and every now and again he crossed himself, cursed, or mumbled a prayer. All this time he grasped my trembling hand with convulsive energy, and I clung to him for my very life, and did not dare to turn my eyes either to the right hand or the left. Although the night was extremely cold, and my clothes were saturated with water, the powerful emotion of fear must have sent my blood gallopping through my veins, otherwise I must have perished. Our journey home was one of continual mental suffering. Every bush and tree, and every gust of wind, were to me as so many devils, and during the whole time, my father continued talking to himself and blackguarding his Satanic majesty, who still acted as our pilot."

What an episode is this in the life of this poor boy! but it is only one of many.

SAYINGS OF ROMAINE.

It is a poor sermon that does not lead the sinner to Christ, and the believer to lean more on him.

The children of Israel were a striking picture of human nature; they had daily miracles, and yet were not converted.

A sting from the natural serpent killed the body; a sting from the spiritual serpent kills the soul. Looking to the brazen serpent cured the body; looking to Jesus cures the soul.

FLOWERS HAVE THEIR TIMES AND SEASONS.

Flowers are commonly expanded by the heat of the snn; but some are opened in the evening, when others are closed, and break forth at midnight; particularly one, which is the glory of the vegetable creation; like the nightingale, which delights the ear of man, and displays its skill without a rival, while other birds are silent and at rest.

PRAYER.

Jones.

Prayer is the peace of our spirit, the stillness of our thoughts, the evenness of recollection, the seat of meditation, the rest of our cares, and the calm of our tempest, It is the daughter of Charity, and the sister of Meekness.

Every prayer we make is considered by God, and recorded in heaven; but cold prayers are not put into the account, in order to effect an acceptation; but are laid aside like the buds of roses which the cold wind hath nipped into death. Taylor.

The music of birds was the first song of thanksgiving which was offered on earth, before man was formed. All their sounds are different, but all harmonious, and altogether compose a choir which we cannot imitate.

Wesley.

Mental Prayer, when our spirits wander, is like a watch standing still, because the spring is down; wind it up again, and it goes on regularly; but in vocal prayer, if the words run on, and the spirit wanders, the clock strikes false, the hand points not to the right hour, because something is in disorder, and the striking is nothing but noise. Jeremy Taylor. Habitual devotion would settle the ferment of our youthful passions, and sweeten the last dregs of our advanced age! How would this make our lives yield the calmest satisfaction, as some flowers shed the most fragrant odours just at the close of the day! And perhaps there is no better method to prevent a deadness and flatness of spirits from succeeding, when the briskness of our passions goes off, than to acquire an early taste for spiritual delights, whose leaf withers not, and whose verdure remains in the winter of our days. Langhorne.

ON ETERNITY

Eternity!-a solemn sound
To the awaken'd ear;

It calls the soul from things on earth,
To scenes that must appear.

With awe, my soul, just take a glance
Beyond this earthly ground;

First look below, and then above,
And ask where thou art bound.
Look, and behold the horrid place,
Where Satan holds his reign;
Look, and behold the souls therein,
Confin'd to endless pain.

Turn now, my soul, from such a sight,
Which Hell to thee has giv'n;

And let thy mind, from things below,
Observe the scene in Heaven.
Look at the throne of glory-look!
See the archangels stand,

With all the angels and the saints,
A great and glorious band.

The latter throng-as pilgrims, once
Dwelt for a time on earth;

And, by the grace of God, they lived

On Christ, their Saviour's worth;

Now they enjoy eternal peace,

From sin and death set free;

They lived by faith, they died in faith;
So may it be with thee.

Then will the sound-Eternity!

Be music in thine ear;

And open prospects to thy sight,

Immortal, fair, and clear.

TRANSUBSTANTIATION.

David.

The absurdity of this doctrine once appeared, in a curious manner, on the public examination of a Chinese convert by a Roman missionary.

"How many Gods are there?" said the Catholic priest. "None, sir," said the humble disciple. "None! None!" exclaimed the astonished priest, "why, have I not told you there was one?" "Yes, sir," replied the new convert, "but you know I ate him yesterday."

THE DECAY OF HEATHENISM.

NEARLY all the idolatrous and antichristian systems of worship are in a state of acknowledged feebleness and decrepitude, amounting to absolute dotage and decay. They are no longer able to hold the nations in their former slavish subjection.

This is true of Mahometanism among Turks, Arabs, and Koords; and that whole dark system, which has so long cursed some of the fairest portions of the earth, and stood like some huge opaque mass to shut out the light of heaven from the soul of man, is falling to pieces. Every political movement in the Turkish empire, every civil change, every new alliance, modifies the forms of Mahometanism. It is apparently crumbling away.

The same is true of Budhism throughout China and its dependencies. The high priest in that system, in his correspondence with the king of Siam, not long since, mourned over the decline of Budhism, and expressed his fear that "the whole system would die out." And certainly there are strong indications of this at present. One of the most remarkable movements which

the world has ever known, is now in progress in China, under leaders who command the destruction of idols and idolatry throughout the empire. However imperfect may be their comprehension of Christian truth, and however much of error may be mixed with their faith, they have published to the world some of the great doctrines of Christianity as their religious creed; they are scattering portions of the Word of God, like the leaves of autumn, and acknowledge its supreme authority in matters of faith; and they profess to go forth to their battles in the name of the Lord of hosts. Evidently there is a power at work under the foundations of Budhism, like that which lifts the mountains and casts them into the sea.

The same decay is visible in Brahminism, throughout India and all southern Asia. The high officials of that sect are not slow to acknowledge the fact; and it is interesting to see that they are beginning to resort to popular organizations and the press, to stay, if possible, the process of decline, and repel the encroachments of Christianity.

The same is true of the fallen and corrupt, but nominally Christian sects of the East: the Armenians of Turkey and Western Asia-the Maronites of Mount Lebanon-the Jacobites of Syria-the Nestorians of Persia, and others. It is true of Judaism. Leading rabbis are holding earnest councils among themselves to deliberate on what is to be done, while hundreds of the Jewish people are carefully studying and hearing the Gospel. It is true of Romanism in almost all papal countries. In Ireland, within the last few years, thousands on thousands of Papists have abandoned their church and become Protestant. In Italy, and even in Rome itself, it is believed that nothing but foreign bayonets prevents the people from expelling Pope, cardinals, and priests, and asserting their liberty and rights of conscience.

Thus the heathen and antichristian nations of the world, to a very great extent, seem tired of their old systems and ripe for a change. God has, to a wonderful extent, prepared the way to supplant and supersede all these systems by the strong, vigorous, and life-giving Gospel of his Son. Does it not seem as though they were all soon to vanish away, like the mists of night before the morning? "I will yet be inquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them."-Journal of Missions.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

CHELTENHAM. Doubtless many of the friends of our Connexion, would be glad to hear how we are getting on in Cheltenham, especially as our affairs and circumstances last Assembly did not warrant us in requesting the appointment of a preacher for the present year; therefore I feel pleasure in sending you the following particulars :

On the 19th of August last, we were favoured with the valuable services of the Rev. John Hirst, of the Forest of Dean, who preached two impressive sermons. On the following Monday we held a meeting, when upwards of ninety persons sat down to tea. The meeting was addressed by several of the friends, and the proceedings of the evening were of a

most interesting and harmonious character. Since that time the congregations have somewhat improved.

Our Sunday-school, which for some time had been in a declining condition, was in July last entirely abandoned by some of the teachers, who shortly after left us. About two months since other friends re-opened the school, and although at present our numbers are small, the school is in a very hopeful condition.

On Sunday, November 18th, three very appropriate and excellent sermons were preached on behalf of the school; that in the morning from Exod. ii. 9, and that in the evening from John iii. 2, by the Rev. S. Newton, of Worcester.

In the morning, the preacher dwelt

in a very impressive manner, on the responsibilities of parents and Sunday-school teachers, and on the necessity and importance of mental and moral training of children.

In the evening, Mr. Newton dwelt on Christ's suitability to sustain the dignified office of a Teacher; and very earnestly exhorted parents and Sunday-school teachers, to imitate the Great Teacher sent from God; especially in being possessed of knowledge, tact, skill, willingness, and patience, in imparting knowledge to other minds. The preacher illustrated the above points by several examples from the history of the Saviour.

The sermon in the afternoon was preached by our much-beloved friend, the Rev. A. Morton Brown, LL.D., (whose valuable services have always been cheerfully rendered to the Association in Cheltenham), from John xvii. 21, in which many stirring and beautiful illustrations were given of the nature and advantages of Christian union.

The above eloquent discourse was rendered all the more interesting by the fact, that the Reformers and the Association in this town have recently resolved to unite, for all practical purposes. All the above services were of an encouraging, and we have reason to believe, of a very beneficial character.

The attendance was better than could reasonably have been expected, considering the circumstances in which we have been placed. Indeed in the afternoon the Chapel was comfortably filled, and the collections were better than on any former Sunday-school occasion.

HENRY LANE.

CAMELFORD, WADEBRIDGE, AND BODMIN, CIRCUIT.

With gratitude to God, we desire to record a gracious outpouring of the Holy Spirit in this Circuit.

At Lostwithiel, there has been a good feeling for several months past. The Word spoken by the servants of the Most High, having been applied by his blessed Spirit, has been quick and powerful, awakening many consciences. But being deluded by the god of this world, though the Lord

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Jesus knocked at the door of their hearts repeatedly, the answer was, 'Go thy way for this time, when ĺ have a convenient season I will call for thee." But at length many of these individuals have seen the danger of procrastination and have determined to be on the Lord's side. The disciples of Jesus not content with the droppings of the sanctuary, continued to plead with God for the teeming shower, and at length their cries have been heard and answered. The arm of the Lord has been made bare in the salvation of immortal souls. Sinners have been converted, backsliders reclaimed, and believers built up in their most holy faith. So powerfully have the operations of the Holy Spirit been felt that not only in the chapel, but in their own housesin the mines-and even in the streets, sinners have been constrained to cry aloud for mercy.

The first conversions took place on Sunday evening, October 28th, since which time service has been held in the chapel each evening. The people manifesting their desire to flee from the wrath to come, by attending the sanctuary night after night. Many evenings there have been at least two hundred persons present, where formerly the average was not more than thirty. The servants of the Lord have had the unspeakable pleasure of pointing penitents to "the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world," and by believing in Him more than a hundred poor sinners have had their guilt washed away in His all-cleansing blood; amongst whom are several of the Sabbathscholars. May the Lord keep them faithful unto death.

At Wadebridge, too, there appears to be a good work commenced. During the last fortnight several have been brought out of nature's darkness into the marvellous light of God's dear Son; and being assured that He who has begun the good work is able to carry it on; we are expecting still greater things.

You will also be glad to hear that sinners are being converted in the Established Church. In the parish of St. Veep, in this county, lately more than two hundred persons have professed to find peace, through believing in Him who died to redeem them. Prayer-meetings have been held in the

church and elsewhere after preaching, continued in: some cases until past midnight, and God has crowned the labours of his servants with abundant success. To Him be all the glory.

That God would continue to ride on in his Gospel chariot until all the world is subdued, is the earnest prayer of Yours faithfully,

RICHARD WAKEFIELD. Bodmin, Dec. 14th, 1855.

To the EDITOR.-Dear Sir.

Good news is always cheering, therefore I send the following, hoping it may cause some of our drooping churches to take heart, arise, and press forward, that similar results may be realized.

During the last few years, our church at St. Gennys, has suffered losses by emigration, removals, deaths, &e. In consequence of its being on the extreme north of this circuit, and a considerable distance from our other churches, it is difficult to render it that support which is desirable. Its members were reduced to ten, and seemed to be in the "shadow of death."

During the spring of 1855, an effort was made to inspire and raise the desponding. It was proposed to have a tea-meeting on behalf of the Missionary cause. They adopted the idea, and worked it out with great credit, so that we realised several pounds more than in any previous year. Pleased with their success, they determined to commence a Sabbathschool. So arrangements were made, and the step taken, which has proved of great service to the place, for they have more than sixty scholars. A tea-meeting has been held for its support, by which they realised about 81.

We have since had special services. The Spirit has been poured out, and more than twenty profess to have found peace, and are going on their way rejoicing. At Pengelly we have a glorious work going on, for during the last six weeks, we have had about ninety converted to God, seventy of whom are married persons, and not more than twelve are under twenty years of age.

Many temptations have been held out to draw them from the chapel. Such as the publicans dropping their ale one penny per quart, and inviting a.

travelling theatre to come for severa nights. But neither would draw them from the house of God. So the theatre band took their flight in dis-> pair, after failing two nights. The. work is still going on as fresh as ever. To God be all the praise.

At St. Tudy we have gained about twelve. Treligga, Tremail, Trewalden, are each raising their standards, and recruits are falling in. I hope that the whole Circuit will be quickened. W. BECKETT. December 17th, 1855.

SALFORD.

On Monday, November 19th, 1855, we held our anniversary tea-meeting, in our large schoolroom, Mountstreet, Salford; upwards of three hundred sat down to tea. The tables being gratuitously and sumptuously furnished by our kind friends the ladies, who are ever ready to give us their countenance and support on such occasions; the greatest good humour and Christian affection pervaded the meeting. After tea, the chair was taken and ably occupied by our excellent friend, the Connexional Treasurer, William Howe, Esq. The financial statement was read by the Treasurer, which showed that an annual reduction is being made of the debt on our Chapel and School. The speaking during the evening was varied but excellent, enlivened by wit, illustrated by anecdote, and warmed with generous sentiment. A very pleasing feature of the gathering was, the brotherly and kindly spirit manifested by our other Manchester Circuits, whose Representatives did us good by their genial presence. The speakers addressed the meeting in the following order-After the Chairman, our own minister; Mr. Adcock, Mr. Tarrant, Mr. Waterhouse, Mr. Hinde, Mr. Kirkham, Mr. Weston, Mr. Tay lor, Mr. Watmough, Mr. Moreland, Mr. Breeden, and Mr. Patterson. The addresses were short, pithy, and to the point, and the meeting will be remembered as one of the most pleasant reunions we have had for some time past. We are disposed to thank God, and take courage.

J. SANKEY.

KING'S LYNN.

Since our last communication from this circuit, we have been favoured

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