space, what aspects Infidelity and superstition have assumed in different ages, and especially what they assume in our own day, to peruse this instructive and healthy work. The poison and the web are alike exposed, and the antidotes are prescribed with great soundness of judgment and command of temper. The truth is spoken in love. Our prayer is, that this popular book may be a means of arousing truly protestant christians to a sense of the dangers to which we are exposed-especially to the insidious leaven of Tractarianism in our national church and Universities. General Intelligeure. PARLIAMENT. is breathed by the lower house and is inhaled by a few in the upper. A touching address to the Queen prayed that more effectual and stringent measures might be taken against disorderly clergymen, that the character of the body generally might be raised in the opinion of the country. A motion was made to appoint a committee for the purpose of investigating the authorised version of the Scriptures, with a view to a new translation; and, it is expected, the matter will receive a full discussion. Archdeacon Sandford also proposed that some means might be taken to promote the true unity of the church. There seems to be a growing conviction among them that the church must be reformed; and we shall hail a comprehensive measure with delight. Another subject which will be considered before long will be the extension of the ecclesiastical commission to the secular property of the church. CONGRESS AT PARIS. Paris will soon be the arena where Parliament has again resumed its duties and its discussions. During the interval which must elapse before the question of peace or war will be decided, a studied reserve is to be manifested on topics connected with pacific negociations. There is however, no lack of subjects diplomacy is to fight her bloodless battles, to try the ingenuity and tempt the oratory and, we hope, secure a splendid triumph. of our legislators. The Lords are jealous Before these lines reach the public eye of their privileges, and wish to control the plenipotentiaries will have comthe prerogative of the crown to create menced their pacific labours, and on the peerages for life. In the house of Com- result of a few weeks' consultations will mons important motions have been made depend the destinies of thousands. It which are of vital interest to the country is natural that men should cling to the at large. The attempt to introduce a hope of peace, and rumors are floating bill for opening the British Museum, which render it probable that it will be National Gallery, Crystal Palace, and realized, though there are some things other places of amusement on Sunday, which appear to indicate the expectation has created a powerful sensation every- of a different termination. Another where. In all large towns gigantic meet-month will show the sincerity of the ings have been held; the pulpits have uttered their protests against Sabbath desecration; petitions have flowed in from all parts against the measure, and the result has been that of a most triumphant majority against this insidious motion, which, it is hoped, will completely settle this important question. Sir W. Clay has again introduced his bill for the abolition of church rates; and the hope is confidently cherished that soon something must be decided upon that subject. CONVOCATION OF THE CLERGY. The clergy of the established church are awakening to a just sense of their duty. Convocation will become, ere long, something more than a mere name, or a formal assembly. A spirit of reform desire for peace on the part of our enemies, and enable us to judge whether our hopes or our fears are to be realized. The warlike preparations are continuing with increased activity in Russia and among the allies, to prosecute the war with a vigour and earnestness not hitherto displayed. The threatening aspect of our affairs with America may exert a prejudicial influence on the Parisian congress, and cause our leaders to conclude a peace on disadvantageous terms, to avert a struggle in the east and west at the same time. We trust, however, that the good sense of the Americans will prevail over the machinations of selfish statesmen; and that the recollection "we are brethren," will induce them relinquish the idea of "striving one against the other." to Connexion Intelligence. TRUSTEES' REPORT. FORDHAM.-The Rev. J. W. JAMES reports:-"In the summer I succeeded in getting the chapel, vestry, and schoolroom painted, and put in substantial repair, both within and without, which was greatly needed. I wish the general state of religion here presented as pleasing a change in a spiritual point of view; for, though better than formerly, it is yet low, -far beneath what might have been expected, from the length of time the Gospel has been preached. As to our little church and congregation, nothing has transpired during the year, either worthy of note, or even to relieve the monotony of the place, save that one communicant has been admitted, which merely fills up the place of another, removed to a distance; and an old man, for many years a constant attendant, having died happy in the Lord. Several additions have been made to the school. I am happy and thankful to say, that by the help of God, the duties, both of the sanctuary and school, have been duly performed by me throughout the year; and as to the results of my labours, I must leave them with Him, with whom is the residue of the Spirit.' to GLOUCESTER.-The Rev. T. ROBERTS remarks:-"In my last report, I intimated that, in looking at the future increase of this cause, our chief difficulty arose from the want of a new place of worship, in a better locality, and the experience of another year tends strengthen the views I then expressed. Divers ways have been suggested, in order to bring about this most important object; but, as yet, without any definite result. I am thankful, however, to be able to state, that notwithstanding many disadvantageous changes, the improvement reported last year is fully sustained. The schools continue to be well supported, and efficiently conducted. The branch school in Sweet Briar-street, especially, is on the increase; an additional room has been secured, where a group of about twenty youths, until lately systematic Sabbath-breakers, now meet in a wellorganised and attentive class. Tract distribution is carried on more vigourously and the Clothing Club yields relief to many in circumstances of great privation. We have received this year seventeen into church-fellowship, but have to lament the loss of nearly an equal number, by change of residence or death. We are willing to labour and to wait,' but cannot help sorrowing over our inability to undertake the entire responsibility of erecting a new church, and to feel grieved, that while thousands of pounds are annually subscribed by members of the Connexion towards the support of societies well sustained by other communions, one, at least, of their own churches, begun by their own Foundress, in one of the most increasing cities of England—and that, too, the birth-place of Whitefield-is allowed, from year to year, to struggle with insurmountable difficulties, instead of receiving the assistance whereby to raise itself to a position of self-reliance." GORING, SOUTH STOKE, BASILDON.-The Rev. JAMES HOWES writes: -"In reporting the state of the causes at GORING, I feel grateful that although we cannot tell of great things, we are not left without some tokens of the Saviour's favour and loving kindness; and we are directing our prayer to Him, and looking up, that He would return in the power of His Spirit, and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us. It is certain that things are not so cheering with us as in times past. I have reason, however, to believe that there is still an appetite among the people for the precious Gospel of Christ, and that at times their souls are filled with joy, whilst hearing of His mercy and grace to the guilty. I am happy to say that we are at peace among ourselves, and that our friends are liberal in supporting the cause. We increase but slowly in church members. present there are two persons waiting to join us. Our school goes on well, and the children appear to make good progress. We gave them and their mothers a treat at the commencement of the year. SOUTH STOKE, the attendance is very good, and I would hope that by some the word is felt as coming with power from above; but I am sorry to say that there is a great want of decision for Christ among the people. God has during the last year visited this place by death, and taken both the young and the aged, at a time when it was not expected. I trust that His voice will be heard by the living.—The cause at BASILDON goes on well; things are very promising there. We have received, in the course of the year, two At At young persons into the church, who were called by grace in that place. There are, I believe, many good people in that little company. May the Lord increase them more. Amen." HEREFORD. -The Rev. W. ALDRIDGE remarks:-" Although my report must necessarily be of a general character, having but few particular incidents to record, yet I may state that the cause here wears a more encouraging aspect than it has done for several years past; and we fervently hope that the buddings of grace which appear at present, may in due time ripen into the sweet fruits of righteousness. The steadfastness of the teachers in the Sabbath school, and of the members of the singing class, deserves to be noticed with approbation, as being exceedingly creditable to themselves. In the month of November last, a public meeting was held to promote the spread of the Gospel, and the cause of Christian Missions connected with our own body, when the Rev. G. Fowler gave a very pleasing account of his visit to SIERRA LEONE, and the glorious work going on in Western Africa, and the result was very gratifying. The attendance was large, the chapel being well filled; the interest awakened was great, and the collection liberal. We were reminded of the good times past, when the Connexion, missionary in its character and spirit, and headed by the noble Fouudress, sighed for and sought the conversion of the world, by the most vigorous, self denying, and philanthropic efforts. We were also led to hope for the return of those happy times; nor could we doubt, that with more abundant prayer, and with more cordial sympathy and active co-openation on the part of the trustees, the ministers, and the members of our different churches, we should soon have a larger measure of the Holy Spirit's influence descending upon us, and our spiritual Zion would shine out again with its former lustre and glory, and take its own proper place, side by side with other Christian communities, in spreading the glorious Gospel of the grace of God, not only in this country, but through all parts of the habitable globe." AVEBURY FREE CHURCH.-A brief report of what is being done in this obscure part of our Lord's vineyard may not be uninteresting to our readers. Two years ago the present minister was There led by the providence of God to labour in this village. He found the congregation very discouraging, the number of communicants very small, and the church in a very dilapidated condition. were, however, a few devoted and disinterested servants of Christ connected with the church who were willing to cooperate with him in rebuilding the walls of Sion. In a little time the congregation began to increase and they set about the improvement of their little sanctuary, indeed, it was entirely renewed inside, and the exterior appearance of the building vastly improved. The alteration inside made it capable of containing a great many more people. The expense incurred was about £120, which, by the liberality and unwearied efforts of the people, has been paid long ago. The congregation gradually increased until the place was comfortably filled in the morning and frequently crowded in the evening. Thus it has continued; and now the friends would fain secure more room to accommodate the people by an enlargement if they could but command the means. And what is far better, there are tokens of special good, the Lord has been pleased to own his word in a few cases of conversion, and thus added to the little band of Sion travellers. The mode of worship is liturgical, and seems to be thoroughly enjoyed by the people. The Sunday-school is also in a healthy condition, the teachers are efficient and pious, and the scholars improve. During the winter months there is an improvement class for working men and boys, and a similar class for females. They meet on separate evenings in the school room, where they receive elementary instruction, and are interested and profited in other ways. The minister, Mr. Trotter, has delivered some lectures on the Pilgrim's Progress this winter, but as his health gave way a little he was obliged to give them up for a season, but by the blessing of God he is better, and hopes in a week or two to resume them. There are about eight villages within four miles of this place, in which there is a sad lack of the means of grace. He visits as many of them as he can to distribute tracts, visit the sick, read the Scriptures in the cottages, and preach the gospel. Such visits have not been in vain in the Lord. Such is an outline of the movements and people to thank God and take courage. at Avebury; enough to cause the pastor Their faith is often tried, but a kind God a makes the greatest trials result in the of his address the Rev. Frank Soden greatest blessings. Avebury is a strange commenting upon the self-sacrificing place, surrounded by druidical remains spirit of the teachers, and the pleasure he and many other mementoes of superstition, felt at the sight of so many parents which remind one of the darkness and present who thus testified their sense of idolatry of a past age; and what is worse the value they attached to the teachers' dreary nothingism on the one hand, and labours, said he hoped he should yet live the withering heresy of unitarianism on to see the day when the parents would the other, exerting a blighting influence; still further manifest their appreciation of but, notwithstanding these things, it is these self-denying labourers, by inviting refreshing on the Lord's day to see the the teachers to a tea-party to be given by people coming from almost all points of the parents. This half-jocular hintthe compass to the house of prayer to playfully alluded to by the following worship the true God. Thanks to all speaker, and by the chairman, resulted in the brethren who have assisted in the a private meeting of the parents, at which, struggle with error and sin, especially to quite unexpectedly, a large number assemthe Revd. Messrs. Dodd, Hart, Gladstone, bled and resolved themselves into Noyes, and Frost. These gentlemen committee to carry out this suggestion, know that Avebury is a real missionary which they did in a noble manner, station, that the friends there seek to laboring hard personally to still further make known the gospel in the way pro- add to the beautiful decorations of the posed by the sainted Countess of Hunting-room and to prepare tea tables on a raised don, and that the cause has claims on the prayer and aid of her beloved Connexion. May the great Head of the church pour out his Spirit on all our churches, and on all the Israel of God. The Avebury friends hope to do a little towards the support of the Countess of Huntingdon's Missionary Society in the way suggested in the last month's Harbinger. A few ladies have consented to do a little work for the Society. BRIGHTON. During the past month two very delightful meetings have been held in connection with the Sunday schools belonging to the Countess' chapel. On the 5th February, the Sunday school teachers invited the parents of their scholars to take tea with them in the school room, which the ladies had decorated most tastefully with banners, evergreens, plants, groups of wax flowers, &c. The parents, to the number of about 220 partook of tea, and then, upon the tables being removed, were addressed by the chairman, J. H. Puget, Esq., followed by Mr. George D. Sawyer, secretary of the Sunday school, on behalf of the teachers; after which most interesting and valuable addresses were delivered by William Penfold, Esq., and the Revs. John Leifchild, Judson, of Lidfield; Frank Soden, co-pastor at Union street chapel, and John R. Mc. Dougall, pastor of the free presbyterian church-ministers who thus manifested a catholicity of feeling and union for good, which we are very happy to find has lately been much upon the increase in Brighton. In the course platform, at which their guests to the number of 36 constituting the band of Sunday school teachers, were on Wednesday, 13th February, sumptuously regaled with tea and with a splendid dessert during the evening. After discussing the good things thus provided for them by their kind and grateful entertainers, the teachers were addressed by the chairman, J. H. Puget, Esq., by his noble relative the Earl of Kintour, and also by the Rev. Frank Soden, the author of the idea of this pleasant "return match," as the chairman happily styled it; after which followed a very delightful interchange of kindly feelings in a series of addresses by the parents and teachers, many of whom, on both sides, shewed a depth of thought and facility of expression that would little have been suspected had not this favorable opportunity been given for their development. Letters were read at these meetings from the pastor, the Rev. J. Sortain, expressing his thorough concurrence and delight that such meetings were being held, and regretting that his continued weakness of body prevented him from being present. Both the meetings, though cheerful and interesting to a high degree were characterized by a solemnity and depth of earnest and holy purpose that augur well for the increased efficiency of these valuable schools, and doubtless, both teachers and parents will, as a consequence of these pleasant opportunities of mutual acquaintance, feel still more interested in the important work they have before them of leading the young to the Saviour early in life, and thus saving them "from a thousand snares" by teaching them, with the Holy Spirit's blessing, to "mind religion young.' The moral effect of such meetings is likely to be so great, and lasting, that we would fain see them multiplied throughout the length and breadth of the land. GLOUCESTER.-On Sunday, the 27th ultimo, the Forty-fifth Anniversary Sermons for the benefit of the Sabbathschools, were preached by the Rev. W. Wheeler, of Stroud. The congregations were large and the collections liberal. On the following Monday evening the Annual Tea Meeting was held, when nearly 300 persons took tea together, after which impressive addresses on the subject of Sabbath-schools were delivered by the Revs. W. Wheeler, Dr. Brown, L. J. Wake, of Cheltenham, and Rev. E. Franks, of Gloucester. The Rev. T. Roberts, presided. The produce of the anniversary will amount to about £18, and may the seed sown yield an hundred fold. NORWICH.-The Rev. J. J. Kempster is delivering a course of Sabbath evening lectures on the following subjects:Feb. 3. Human depravity and Christian purity. 10th. Religious hypocrisy and Christian sincerity. 17th. Pharisaical pride and Christian humility. 24th. Spiritual indolence and Christian activity. March 2. Worldly pleasure and Christian felicity. ST. IVES, CORNWALL.-The usual New Year's Tea Meeting was held in Lady Huntingdon's chapel in this place, on the 24th of January; 300 persons sat down to a substantial tea which was kindly and liberally provided by the friends of the chapel, to whom great praise is due for their useful services. The arrangements were excellent and the entire proceedings were of the most agreeable and profitable nature. After the tea a public meeting was held, when the chair was occupied by the Rev. E. S. Hart, M.A., the duties of which he discharged with his usual urbanity and tact. Prayer was offered by the Rev. John Smedley, (Wesleyan.) Lively and stirring addresses on various important subjects were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Ellery, Jenkins, and Rodd, of Penzance, and Downing, Smedley, Hartley, and Howarth, of St. Ives, which were listened to with pleasing attention. A most delightful feeling pervaded the entire meeting, and the presence of God was felt. "How sweet, how heavenly is the sight When those who love the Lord, In one another's peace delight, And so fulfil his Word." SION CHAPEL, LONDON.-On Wednesday Evening, January 23rd, a social tea meeting was held in the large school room, for the purpose of friendly intercourse, and to confer on the best method of promoting the cause of God in that place. The Rev.J. Thomas, B.A., of Manningtree; took the chair. There was a large attendance of members, both of the church and congregation. Amongst whom we noticed Messrs. J. Powell, Cooper, List, Evans, Price, Potter, Hawkins, and Newling, most of whom took part in the proceedings of the evening. WIVELISCOMBE-On Wednesday, January 23rd, a public tea meeting was held in aid of the fund now being raised for the enlargement of the Sunday-school room. The tea was provided gratuitously by ladies of the congregation. There was a large attendance, and many friends of religious education from neighbouring towns were present. The Rev. R. S. Short presided, and opened the meeting with an address on "The position and prospects of the Sunday-school Institution," which was followed by "A brief sketch of the Wiveliscombe Sunday school," read by Mr. R. B. Clibbett. The Rev. J. Leconteur, of Wellington, next addressed the assembly on "The importance of personal piety to Sunday school teachers," and was followed by the Rev. W. Gamman, of Norton, who con gratulated the minister and people on the encouraging state of the cause, which he had now known for a period of nineteen years. Mr. T. Newton, deacon, next delivered an address on "The benefits of Sunday-school teaching to the teacher and the taught." After which the Rev. J. S. Spilsbury, of Uffculin, spoke on "The sympathy which should exist between the Church and the Sunday school." Mr. T. Newton, jun., concluded with an address on "Encouragements to Sundayschool teaching." The various speakers were listened to with deep interest, and all present expressed themselves much gratified with the very agreeable evening |