where they have been accustomed to attend, and if we could pay for their education they should; but as we are situated, this is impossible." There is no wonder that every now and then we see scholars passing away from us. I rejoice, however, we have not only been able to keep our ground, but to make progress. We have strained every nerve to get a good school, and we have managed to obtain the best in the place. In spite of all opposition the school is more prosperous than at any former period of its history. Not long since we held our anniversary services. Nearly two hundred persons were present at the public tea,

In the evening a large congregation assembled in the chapel, and listened with deep attention to spirit-stirring addresses from several ministers of the town and neighbourhood. Earnestly do we hope the glorious principles then enunciated will be thoroughly appreciated, and practically exemplified by all who heard them. No. V.

AFTER more than four years of unbroken peace and unclouded love, on Sunday last I took my leave of the people on this station. Such a scene I never before witnessed; and, so far as separating from such an affectionate and peaceable people is sencerned, I pray that I may never witness such another. I know what it is to feel the keen pang of bereavement; but this is the most painful parting I ever experienced. Stronger proofs of affection for a minister could not have been given. The members of the church were bathed in tears. The Sabbath-school children, with scarcely an exception, were sobbing aloud. The congregation were in no better plight. From many a time worn countenance the weatherbeaten hand might be seen brushing away the falling tear. As a proof of their esteem they presented me with a copy of "Horne's Introduction," regretting only that they had to present it on an occasion so painful.

How much I hope that this interesting and important station will not be abandoned.

The following fact will give the Directors pleasure and encouragement.

When I first came here there was an individual-one of the most lowlived, vulgar sots that could be found in the parish-who began to attend my ministry, which, through the blessing of God, has been made instrumental in reclaiming him from the error of his ways, and bringing him to decision for God. The change which has taken place in his character and conversation has been for a long time observed by us with pleasure, and on Sunday last we had the additional pleasure of seeing him at the Lord's table, after having been admitted to the fellowship of the church by the unanimous consent of its members.

I trust that the fruits of my labours here will be seen in other instances in days which are to

come.

No. VI.

As this is the first Journal I have forwarded from the present sphere of my labours, I thought you would like to know something about the station, the order of services, attendance, &c. &c. We have fixed upon as the centralizing point. Our reasons for doing so are, its having ever been the parent church, its being situated in the centre of the station, and there being sitting-room for more than a hundred above what either of the other chapels will hold. Here the

congregations vary from ninety to about one hundred and ten. All these, with the exception often or twelve, come from the neighbouring villages, and have to walk a distance of four or from that to eight miles. There being a Wesleyan chapel at the other end of the village, and great opposi tion from the clergyman, will accomt for there being so few from the village itself in the morning. This is not the case in the evening: It being then dark, we get from forty to fifty from this one village. We have had some additions to the church, and three stand proposed. We have a Sabbath-school, about forty five scholars and nine teachers. When we remember that the congregations used to average thirty, the scholars five, and only two teachers, we are cheered and encou. raged.

There is a decided improvement in the congre. gations. From one hundred and twenty to one hundred and fifty attend. I preach here each alternate Sabbath evening, and the other at KThe spirit of hearing is good. We have reagon to believe that the word has been accompanied with power to the hearts of several. We have a small Sabbath school here for those who are too young to come so far ask, about twenty scholars and three teachers,

I preach on the Sabbath afternoon at The attendance is small, but somewhat improved, from being between twenty and thirty, it is now from fifty to sixty, We have no Sabbath-school here as there is one in connection with the Church, conducted by some pious ladies: neither have we any one who would undertake to teach, but of the three who stand proposed for fellowship at K, two are from this place.

We have a service on the Sabbath evening at conducted by one of our lay-brethren, when from sixty to seventy attend. I preach here on a week evening to a congregation of about fifty. We have a Sabbath school here, it being too far from K for the children to attend there: there are in it about forty scholars, and four teachers. There are some here who are inquiring their way to Zion.

No. VII.

WHEN the labours of my predecessors in this field began, the clergymen in the adjacent parishes were either vile, lame, or lazy; their influence was consequently nothing. At that time a fortnightly or even a monthly service was not merely a great boon to the inhabitants of a village, but apparently well suited to their circumstances, and well calculated to do them good. Parish churches were open only once on the Lord's day, in some regularly in the morning; in others alternately morning and afternoon Now, on every side we have the churches open twice on the Lord's day, the second service commeneing in some cases at half-past three, others at five, others at six o'clock; such arrangements being made with a view to prevent people "wandering to conventicles." The clergymen are almost, without exception, respectable, active men, all zealous beyond precedent, though here, at least, either only for church formalities or for error in doctrine. Curates have been introduced into four of the parishes in which I preach. The incumbent in a fifth has resigned a benefice he held, ceasing to be a pluralist that he may exert greater influence over one parish. These latter changes are the work of the last six years. Formerly the only obstacle to contend with here, in addition to the common enmity of the human

heart to the gospel, was the prejudice of the people against Dissent, and in favour of the Establishment: while the clergy were materially assisting to turn that stream in favour of Home Missionary efforts; not willingly so, but as the their conduct. The tables are thoroughly turned, not only have we to contend against a respectable, zealous, and more numerous body of clergy, but local and general cir cumstances have tended here, at least, to cover Dissent with odium. The old system of diffusive labour is no longer the thing for the neighbour. hood, and has long ceased to be adapted to pro duce permanent effects. We need be as active and as laborious as ever, engaged in one form or another every evening in the week; but if permanent effect is to be produced, these activities need to The clergyman or

ands his way into every, house to gosejp, smile, prate, caress, scold, advise, or bestow alms as may best contribute to his personal influence on the minds of his flock. The man who is constantly roaming over a district thirteen miles long and seven broad, cannot find time to speak to but few, except those who meet him where he is expected to preach; who are few, because his personal calls at their houses are either short or far between. The influence of personal intercourse, and personal character, are the only means of doing good in this neighbourhood, which, under God, may be relied upon. Impressed long with the sentiments expressed hastily above, I feel that I have something important, something pregnant with good to announce in the movements of the month, in stating that I have paid my last visit to W- and that

henceforth my weekly travel will be sixteen miles shorter than heretofore, and I shall have one sermon a week less;-some eight hours of time to dispose of nearer home. The material contributions of the station may be increased by this step, they can hardly be lessened, as W has contributed £1 4s. 6d, to the Home Mission funds in five years; while for a long time I have had to borrow or hire a horse for the journey on Lord's days, and since May, in the present year, have 158, in this business. True I had hearers at the service on the 27th, but these would not have attended had I continued my visits, while I shall find some elsewhere to set off against them before we have to number Israel again, idadal er of good szary s vlast -muosio siad of badion now linensqge lud,sgal boo IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY,usta dais IRELAND ties almost spiritual dominion of Rome. What has awakened forbodings and sorrowful apprehensions in the minds of England's warmest patriots, has ministered to myriads, rich and poor in Ireland, much satisfaction; while the honest and indignant displeasure, which has been expressed in almost every circle of English society at the pretensions of Papal cardinals and prelates, has provoked hostility and denunciation in excited assemblies of Irishmen. Here Popery triumphs, her priests are legion, and the national exchequer ministers to their yearly increase. Protestantism is the professed religion of the few; and her ministers, though upheld by the State, have not largely increased the numbers of their flocks. Organized Synods and Presbyteries are but as camps in an enemy's country; and their missions

So It becomes the friends of British Missions to look at this matter calmly, and to determine, if they can, whether there be cas cause which can be discriminated band encountered. No wise man will wait till the same Popish energies and resources be brought into operation in England no practical Christian land patrioti will defer antagonism with Rome till the system can be grappled with in Italy, while there is an open and inviting obattle-fields in Ireland. If there were a Protestant missionary, as zealous as Loyola and the members of his Society, as self-denying oast were Brainard and Henry Martyn; and as abundant in labours as were Whitfield and Wesley, located and sustained in twelve gof the populous towns of Ireland, would they snot succeed? Is anything too hard for God:? Has the Lord of the Church called his servants to a night of hopeless and unrequited toil ?-or has the Scripture said in vain, that all nations shall be blessed in Him, and all people call him blessed ? Whiles encum bered estates are inviting the capitalist, and affording frequent opportunities for a favourable transition in the proprietory influences among the people, and more profitable occupation of the working poor--are there none, among the wealthy members of Christ's church, willing to devote themselves to the regeneration of Ire land, and who can associate with themselves able and devoted ministers of the holy Gospel of Jesus 25 The Irish Evangelical Society has been enabled by generous friends, and liberal contributions to liquidate all its pecuniary claims, and disembarrass its operations of diffis culties, which pressed heavily on its Committee: The reduction in its agency has been effected at a great expense of feeling and anxiety, to the members of the Committee; and now it remains that the stations, which have been deemed eligible for retention, or to be newly occupied, shall be supplied with an effective agency, and sustained by liberal and appropriate resources. While all must be eschewed only men, qualified for the arduous and truly self-sacrificing labours, can be hopefully employed. It is the devout prayer of the Board that the Lord of the harvest would send forth labourers into his harvest; and, by His rich benediction, crown th the labours of all the agents with abundant success, till his truth universally prevail stayed odio sit to vallis

THERE is no tenet more firmly held by the Evangelical Churches of our land, than the personality, deity, and office of the Holy Spirit. It is universally maintained by them, that He is the Author of all spiritual life, and of all true religion. They are taught, and desire to be taught, their entire dependence on his presence and indwelling power for growth in grace, stability, and comfort, and success in all endeavours to turn men to God. These great cardinal points have not only a place in all their creeds, confessions, articles, and homilies, and in the ministrations of all their pulpits, but in the established sentiment of their collective mind, while they characterize the Evangelical literature both of regular Authorship and of the Periodical Press. These points are recognized in all religious discussion, and in all evangelical action. So far good; but this alone is not enough. All this may exist amid a wide-spread spiritual death. What is wanted is, a particular and a general lively faith in the great truth on which there is so much dogmatic dependence. This has ever been, is now, and will ever be, the great necessity of the Church. But, it may be said, this pre-supposes, to some extent, the gift itself now in question. To be sure it does it is they who have the Spirit that desire the Spirit; it is they who are most the subjects of his influence that desire to be more so. It is the living that thirst and hunger: the dead are at rest in death; they have no

wants.

The point of importance next to this lively faith in the great truth of which we speak, is, a right state of feeling on the subject of the spirit, habit, and exercise of prayer. The importance of this is equalled only by its absolute necessity : it is the highest proof of a state of grace; in effect, it is the very essence itself of that state. This habit, then, and not their creed, is the sure index to the real

VOL. VIII.

condition of the Churches. But there is too much reason to fear, that thus tried, after allowing for happy exceptions, the general result would be far from satisfactory. The spirit of the Church, at the present time, is not the spirit of devotion; which is just saying that the spirit of fervent piety is not in the ascendant: and this is what we mean, contend, and lament. Far be it from us

to croak; but we must bear witness to what we believe to be the truth.

As one element of the process we have for so many months been carrying on, by pressing on the notice of the Churches the necessity of a great and general revival of the work of God in the land, we will here endeavour to fix the thoughts of all our readers on various aspects of the subject of prayer. Experience has taught us the importance of this. The concentrated force of half a dozen articles on a particular subject is, for the purpose of popular effect, greater than three times the number apart, sprinkled through many Numbers. Such a cluster of varied views on the subject has a value, on the ground of fulness, which will render it, in after days likewise, a storehouse of important matter, as bearing on this great subject, which may prove a source of lasting benefit.

The first Article will turn upon a point of awful moment, as touching the truth of prayer, as opposed, not to hypocrisy, but to unreality-" solemn sounds on the thoughtless tongue." This unintelligent, unreflecting utterance is a fearful matter; and it is all the more fearful because of the ease with which men may fall into it, and with which it may be concealed, often from themselves, and still more from their fellow-men. To a greater or less extent, indeed, this is an evil which exists in the hearts of the best and most sainted portion of the Church of God. The tendency even of the regenerated spirit is always towards it, and no small

E

part of the conflict of the faithful consists in warring against it. But if such be the case with the most eminent for piety, how much more with those who compose the bulk of Church members!

We this day make an appeal to the whole circle of our readers throughout these realms, and in foreign lands, and ask them whether they will begird themselves to the great conflict? We say, conflict, and are authorized in so doing. How long will it be till, with respect to a perishing world around them, they become the subjects of the agonizing spirit of the Apostle, and be thus enabled truthfully to say to all, "Ye know how great a conflict we have for you"? We earnestly invite and beseech them to ponder the matter of the Articles now to be set before them-matter proceeding from the pens of men who are "mourning over the ways of Zion," and crying out to the Lord to be revived again. They have expressed themselves in a variety of ways, each in its measure suited to further the great object of the world's evangelization; and have received such modifications as to suit our present pur

pose.

THOUGHTLESS PRAYER.

THE incidents of travel, to the observant eye and attentive ear, furnish materials for a chapter at every stage of our progress. In the field, narrow or wide, over which we pass, there is enough of the romance of life to interest the lover of description; and the works of creation, ever various and ever grand, are present to awaken their counterpart of "beauteous and sublime" in the mind of the spectator. We shall, on the present occasion, occupy our thoughts and pen chiefly with sketches of moral scenery, so vastly more important than the incidents of a day, the works of art, or the most stupendous phenomena of inanimate matter. The most prominent thing of a moral character which we have noticed in our wanderings is the general habit of prayer. The many of all classes, without distinction of sect, sex, or age, down to the child unconscious of the meaning of its words, unite in this one form of devotion. Were it but the prayer of faith, we could never fear for

the welfare of our country. But as to the greater part, it is that kind of supplication which is even more perilous than the total neglect of prayer. Prayer it certainly is, but it tends only to darken the light of God's countenance into a frown upon the suppliant.

The thing to which we more especially refer may be denominated thoughtless We tremble while we write! prayer. Of all engagements of which a human being is capable, Prayer is that which most demands the full exercise of the whole intellectual powers. Thoughtless Prayer is the climax of sin! The high and Holy One saith, "I will be sanctified in all them that draw nigh unto me." Insincerity and irreverence are far removed from sanctity of devotion. The "solemn sounds upon a thoughtless tongue" are extremely offensive to Him who "desireth truth in the inward parts," and who saith of hypocrites, "This people draweth nigh unto with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from

me.

me

The whole tendency of the age is to a religion of forms, and formality even in the true modes of worship. With exceptions quite too few, the prayers of the sanctuary, the family, and the social circle, are cold in the utterance; and the tones and laboured periods show that the mind of the suppliant is trying to lift itself up to the spirit of devotion. It is not the "unction from the Holy One," apparent in the humble, fervent utterance of effectual supplication. It is not praying in the Spirit-not that abundance of the heart out of which the mouth speaketh. And what can the utmost eloquence of the mouth do at the throne of God, if the heart be far from Him? Formal prayer is delusive; is offensive, unheard, unanswered, except in the increase of spiritual barrenness. When again shall the Spirit help the infirmities of the saints, making intercession for them with groanings that cannot be uttered? And when shall the preacher wield the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God-the Word in its essential, distinctive, subduing truths brought down with direct aim and undivided energy upon the conscience of the hearer? Alas for thee, daughter of Zion, "thy rowers have brought thee into great waters!"

But the formal prayer of the Church, at present so merged in the world, on which a passing word has been bestowed, is not that which we have denominated

thoughtless prayer, and which, it appears to us, is so universally prevalent. We mean, chiefly and specially, that kind of prayer by which, as saith the prophet, "the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right." (Jer. xxiii. 10.) In this form of supplication we have, as a nation, become rapidly and extremely prominent. The fancy gentleman and the fashionable lady are punctual in ejaculatory petitions, which also pass over into the form of imprecation. How frequent the short prayers are heard, such as Good Lord; Lord bless me, &c. But with what levity and absence of thought these habitual supplications are uttered! And from the so-called polished circle down to the lowest dregs of humanity, the mingling voices of the crowd are heard in almost unbroken prayers through all the day, and far into the stillness of the night. The sacred names of the Trinity, and the most awful forms of imprecation are used in thoughtless levity: while in every street, and on every play-ground, the tattered and the well-dressed urchin throws off these wicked prayers as fast as the intervening puffs of the cigar will allow. By swearing the land mourneth. And how awfully prevalent the " swearer's prayer" has become! Passing by the profanely praying adult classes, the obscenity and profaneness of the juvenile population shocks every moral sense. Into what hands are our civil and religious institutions descending?

If the vain use of God's name is a national trait of character, what can avert from us national judgments? "Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?"

PREPARATION OF HEART FOR SOCIAL PRAYER.

THE duty of attending assemblies for Prayer is too obvious to require, or even justify, argument. If the world is ever to be converted to the true and only living God, this exercise and these assemblies must take a high place in the affections of the Church. And the time will come, undoubtedly, when Christians will assemble to pray for the salvation of the world, just as they go up to the courts of the Lord on the Sabbath. Many, indeed, do this now. There are not a few whose places are never vacant on such occasions, without the most satisfactory

51

reasons. But to such even the inquiry may be addressed, "Are you always prepared for the exercise?"

It is not enough simply to be present. Nor is it enough to give the closest attention to all that is said. Nor is it enough to offer a prayer, when called upon, to the great Head of the Church. Nor is it enough, at a Missionary Prayermeeting, to contribute a small sum when the collection is made. You may come short in none of these things, and yet not be prepared for the work.

1. Christians, before they go to the meeting, should have clear views of its nature and design. If a merchant or mechanic embark in any enterprise without definite conceptions of what he is about to do, everybody predicts an unfortunate issue. But many persons, it is to be feared, go to the meeting with very confused ideas respecting the object of their coming together. And what is the consequence? Neither they nor others are materially profited by their attend

ance.

2. Christians, before going to the meeting, should bring their minds into sympathy with the occasion. It is a great convocation of God's people, called to contemplate the state and prospects of a lost world. We are to sit and gaze upon the wonderful works of the Lord; for we are to observe what he is doing by his Spirit, and what he is effecting by his providence. It should be a deeply solemn meeting. Every heart should long for the glory of the Redeemer and the spread of his kingdom.

3. Christians should go to the place of assembly in a prayerful spirit. The leading object of this meeting is prayer. It is very important to communicate missionary intelligence. It is very important to contemplate the duty and the privilege of the Church in reference to the heathen. But we must never forget that God will be inquired of" by his people, before he will send forth his light and his truth to the ends of the earth. Whatever else is said or done, prayer should hold the chief place in the services.

But how can we pray aright, in such circumstances, without suitable preparation for the exercise? Suppose all Christians should go to the place of meeting prepared in heart, what a change would take place!

4. At Missionary Prayer-meetings a collection should always be remembered. Paul, writing to the Church at Corinth,