It will be well to bear in mind that these articles were not called into existence by the publication of "The Rivulet," but by the endorsing of that now notorious book, by fifteen congregational ministers of London, amongst whom are to be found the names of men, dear to the great dissenting heart of this country, honoured above most-rendered powerful by years of usefulness, and timehonoured, heaven-owned service in the cause of God; men, whose names lent to this purpose, have given rise to an amount of feeling, and occasioned an intensity of interest, and in some instances of grief; that afford reassuring evidence of the soundness of the faith held by the churches at large. In this interest, and in this grief Dr. Campbell has deeply shared, and thankful we are, that it was in his power to give expression to his convictions, with a precision and force equal to the sagacity of his intelligence, and the sincerity of his aim. not now, of the claims of a world lying in wickedness, upon her missionary effort. and her christian zeal; nor even of that tide of moral corruption, which is now impelling those who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, to wax clamorous for the surrender of our christian institutions; these are demands and dangers, but incomparably more urgent is the importance of the command, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." Deeply humiliating though the results of the enquiry may be, we believe it is high time to institute diligent search as to our soundness in "the faith once delivered to the saints." We fear too much dust has been allowed to settle on some of the old catechisms. If it is needful greater prominence must be given in our Sunday schools to the fundamentals of our religion, greater watchfulness must be exerted over our churches, and a more earnest solicitude manifested by our ministers to train up a generation for the Lord. There is a breath of error amongst us : formist Journalism but one voice is raised It were quite needless here to enter into any analysis of these letters: suffice it to say, that Mr. Lynch's book has in-how comes it else that from Nonconthem gone through a thorough sifting, which has resulted in the discovery of a very small modicum of wheat; while the Nonconformists of England have received from a competent hand, a vindication from the charge of indifference to the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel, which will we trust be accepted, as being as truthful in fact, as in statement it unquestionably is sincere. On this last however we cannot but express our grave and serious doubt, that the mischief done is far greater than it is in the power of Dr. Campbell to remedy by his pamphlet, he has done what he could, and that is much; but we own to considerable misgivings as to his entire success. It is not easy to reassure men's minds, when apprehension on matters of such moment has once been thoroughly aroused. Still we rejoice that Dr. C. did not succeed, (as from a too generous feeling he at one time endeavoured) in suppressing the republication of the "Letters;" we trust they will be read and pondered well both in the denominations addressed and out of them, and we are confident that their perusal cannot but occasion some very wholesome reflections, in all thinking minds. Assuredly this is no time to sit at ease in Zion :-never was there a greater call for the church to assume the attitude of watchfulness and of prayer, We speak Let the churches of the land then, awake to the magnitude of this question! It is neither more nor less, than, whether they shall glory in the cross, or count it shame; whether Jesus shall be accounted by them the Eternal Son of God, their Mediator and King; or whether a subtle and insidious spiritualism shall pave the way to a fearful declension into Socinian these considerations, and that earnest prayer and supplication will precede energetic action, and persevering selfexamination. Surely, He, who of old in his charge to the church at Pergamos said "and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts," even He, the Head, is regarding us, He will aid us, the cause is His own, and therein rests our hope and our confidence. com MEMOIRS OF JOHN KITTO, D. D., piled chiefly from his Letters and Journals by J. E. Ryland, M.A.; with a Critical Estimate of Dr. Kitto's Life and Writings, by Prof. Eadie, D. D. Edinburgh, Oliphant and Son; London, Hamilton and Co. We have lately had a good many biographies teeming from the press. The ranks of literature and science have lost some of their most distinguished ornaments; and affectionate hearts have raised memorials to perpetuate the memory of the illustrious. One of the most frequent faults which biographers have committed is to suppose that every body is as much interested in every little incident, connected with the individual they write about, as themselves; and they, therefore, inflict on the reader a number of volumes, spun out with common place observations, or trifling details, when the whole might have been compressed into a single volume with great credit to the author, and satisfaction to the reader. Thus Tom Moore's Life must be related in eight volumes; that of another poet, James Montgomery, in seven; and Dr. Chalmers' in four heavy 8vos. therefore, glad to welcome the Life of Dr. Kitto in one volume; and are assured our readers will rejoice that, if they wish to become acquainted with this remarkable man, they have not to wade through a vast number of pages, which, at the very best, must constitute "a weariness to the flesh." We are, His career teaches one of the most important lessons which young men can learn, and shows how by perseverance, application, and the fear of the Lord, it is possible to rise from the lowest position of life to a high and important station in society. John Kitto was born at Plymouth on the 4th of December, 1804, of a Cornish family, which, he says, most probably descended from Phoenician ancestry. His father had been a master builder, but became reduced to the position of a jobbing mason, in which occupation young Kitto's help was required at a very early age. While thus engaged, in February 1817, a fall from the top of a house totally destroyed his sense of hearing. His previous education had been very scanty; but he had acquired a love of reading, which now became the solace of his loneliness and the foundation of his attainments. When in his fifteenth year, his parents were unable to find suitable employment, or to maintain him at home; where he remained two years. He was and placed him in the workhouse, then apprenticed to a shoemaker; but his master was such a tyrant that the poor boy appealed to the magistrate, and presented a written statement of his case, which attracted attention by its propriety of sentiment and diction. His indentures were cancelled; and again he returned to the workhouse, where he studied hard and worked well. His talents and capacities were soon discovered; and by the kindness of two gentlemen in the neighbourhood, he was enabled to publish a small volume of essays and letters, and was removed to a more congenial atmosphere. He soon after went abroad, and spent at least ten years of his life in foreign countries. He journied over a large part of Europe and Asia; and acquired that familiarity with the scenery and customs of the East, which was afterwards of such signal service in the department of sacred literature to which he became devoted. to England, and in 1833 gained considerable attention by a series of papers in the "Penny Magazine" under the title of "The Deaf Traveller;" and having married, commenced a course of literary activity which was continued without interruption till within a few months of his decease. His writings are too well known to need any enumeration, and were principally devoted to the illustration of the scriptures. He attained to a very high eminence in Sacred Literature; but won his laurels with constant and severe labour. The claims of his family, the care of his aged mother, and his love of literature, and especially sacred themes, combined to urge him to make the most energic exertions in his pursuits. His physical infirmity was a great disadvantage to him; and for several years before his death he struggled with pecuniary difficulties, which his pension of He returned one hundred pounds a year did not remove. A neuralgic affection afflicted him for two years, and was followed by a paralytic attack. Through the help of some kind friends, he was removed with his family to the Continent; but the deaths of his youngest and eldest children in rapid succession keenly affected his mind; he was attacked by another fitwhich carried him off at Čannstatt near Stuttguard, on the 25th of November, 1854. The life of Dr. Kitto as here recorded, admirably illustrates "The pursuit of knowledge under difficulties;" will doubtless be perused with great relish by all who value his Biblical Illustrations. General Intelligence. THE MORALITY OF OUR COUNTRY. Events not only "cast their shadows before them," but often leave them for some time behind them; and are not merely signs of what may be expected, but very often an index to what really exists. The past month has witnessed the termination of the most fearful tragedy of modern times, which for half a year has engrossed the attention of the country. William Palmer is a name familiar to every village boy and girl, and is associated with events of a dark and deadly character. His guilt has been proclaimed, his doom has been accomplished, and his memory wiped from the roll of those to be remembered. His career has been a most impressive warning to all, of the silent ease with which sin leads on from the first step in crime to recklessness and ruin; and how often the very endeavours to put off "the evil day" conduct to measures which, when exposed, bring only infamy, punishment and death to the wretched victim of sin. His case and others which have recently transpired show that there is something very bad in the morality of our country. The tone of commercial morals has very seriously declined; indications of the fearful undercurrent are constantly rising to the surface; and unless means are taken to give a check to such proceedings as Palmer and Sadleir have illustrated, the morality of commercial life will be corrupted with usury, forgery, deceit, and robbery to a far greater extent than at present. The cases revealed are but a specimen of many which are concealed. The safety of our social and religious condition very materially depends upon the tone of commercial morality. The influence radiates in all directions, and involves hundreds and thousands in misery and ruin. A word of warning to those who are engaged in such transactions may perhaps save them from exposure and its results. ENGLAND AND AMERICA. Family feuds are justly condemned by all. The tie of affinity, to say nothing of friendship and love, ought to be a guarantee against strife, and certainly against bloodshed. The most powerful consideration Moses could bring to persuade the contending Israelites to relinquish their fighting, was the fact that they were brethren. The United States of America have often indicated that they wish to forget the relationship to this country, by taking up arms against us. They first broke loose from the mother country, because she was severe and harsh ;-they have often jeered and ridiculed her as an old woman, ill calculated to guide 'young and sprightly progress ;' and at last they have treated her with supreme contempt, dismissed unceremoniously her ambassador, and threatened to show to the world how strong and powerful the young state has grown. England has treated her offspring somewhat after the fashion of a mother. It was natural that when her child grew restive she should use the rod, and when he started on his own career, still to put up with much from the wayward youth. She could afford to bear from him reproach and indignity which would never have been tolerated from any other state; and even at the last, when matters seem to have been pushed to the extremity, and the States themselves tremble at their deed, it was right and becoming in one sustaining this near relation, to listen to the penitential strains, and endeavour to reason the young power into the path of safety and of prosperity. We seriously hope that soon matters will be adjusted between the two countries; that diplomatic relations will be resumed; and that the dark cloud which now hangs over the two nations will pass, and permit each to enjoy a day of real splendour, and at last, for such must be the fate of kingdoms, an evening of serene tranquility and repose. THE IMPERIAL INFANT. We We are often reminded, by strange contrasts, of the difference between ourselves and our neighbours across the channel. The one is calm, temperate, and thoughtful; the other is excited, careless, versatile. The one enjoys life when it is most tranquil and in the bosom of home; the other when his senses are most keenly affected, and when he is surrounded by the gayest scenes and the greatest crowds. The Englishman inscribes on his heart, "Duty" the Frenchman paints on his brow, "Pleasure." Now the recent events in Paris have brought out this contrast very vividly. With us the christening of a royal prince, the heir apparent, is an event which passes as a matter of course, and is hardly known to have taken place, except in a few circles: but the ceremony in Paris has attracted the attention of the world, and is made the occasion of a series of fetes and enter tainments even more splendid and glittering than those which welcomed the return of Peace to Europe. Perhaps it is well that it is so it suits the French character; it allures their sympathies towards the future emperor, as well as the present; and calls their attention from other and more dangerous subjects. It is certainly a melancholy thought that a nation can thus be so captivated by trifles; and were we to attempt to philosophise, perhaps we should discover that the reason is to be found in their religion and no-religion. The first panders to their taste, and thus is continually forming it for the next generation; the second scoffs at the idea that man was made for anything higher than pleasure. The Bible, read, received and followed would be the best and safest imperial gift to France. Connexion Intelligence. TRUSTEES' REPORT. ASHFORD.-The Rev. ALFRED TURNER remarks:-"The past has been a year of deep domestic affliction and anxiety, in the very serious and still protracted illness of my dear wife, who for nearly twelve months has been unequal to any domestic duties; and, but for the sympathy and kin lness of many friends among the various denominations in the town, the trial might have almost prostrated me. I am thankful, however, to say, I have been mercifully sustained, but am still unable to carry out our plans for the erection of the new school-room, which we so greatly need. "The state of the school, the church, and the congregation are all encouraging. in a hamlet about a mile from the town, We have opened a branch Sunday school which has exceeded our expectations; and I think we have some evidences of the presence and blessing of God with us in the good cause generally." BASINGSTOKE.-The Rev. W. BONE writes:-"As another cycle of time brings us to the close of the year 1855, we would review its changing scenes with grateful but solemnized feelings. For much have we to be thankful, as we think of the harmony subsisting amongst us, and for the spirit of hearing which continues to attend the ministry of the Gospel. Within this brief space, however, the frequent presence of death has cast a sombre shade across our path. An unusually large number of communihave passed away from earth-we would cants and members of the congregation fain hope, to the fellowship of the spirits of the just made perfect. Some of them were amongst our oldest and most active friends, and their vacant places often remind us of the loss we have sustained. For this we May he, with whom is the residue of the Spirit, graciously raise up others, who shall be our joy here, and our crown of rejoicing hereafter. labour, depending on His word, which declares, They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing prescious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.'" BATH.-The Rev. J. OWEN remarks: -"With devout thankfulness to Him, who is the giver of every good and perfect gift, we are permitted to make a favourable report of the cause of God in this place. Through another year the minister, committee, communicants, and congregation have received special tokens of the presence and blessing of the Lord. Having obtained the needed and promised blessing of him who says, 'I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee,' we continue to this day in unity, peace, and love. In several remarkable instances the preaching of the gospel has been, not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance. The different institutions sustained by us have been carried on, by the co-operation of the friends with the pastor, with zeal, liberality, and perseverance. The efforts thus employed have been crowned with success. Several valuable members of the congregations, who commenced the year with us, have fallen asleep. Twenty-two have been thus removed from us by death; and are now, we trust, united to the fellowship in heaven. These bereavements call for personal and practical attention to Him who said, 'Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.' During the year several special prayer meetings have assembled around the throne of grace. In these encouraged exercises, we have not forgotten the painful situation of the Trustees; and have implored that men of piety and integrity might be raised up to carry on that work so scripturally begun. May He who has the residue of the Spirit pour it forth on the Trustees, the College, the ministers, and the congregations. 'Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children, and let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.' Amen." BEARFIELD.-The Rev. J. RAWLING writes:"Clouds and darkness are round about Him, righteousness and judgment are the habitation of His throne.' That was the language of the royal Psalmist, and now it is ours at this Station; and I trust we are subscribing to it in the spirit of humble submission to Him, who does all things after the counsel of His own will. We have just lost a valuable young female, one of the superintendents of our Sabbath school. Death took her away on the 17th of December, in the midst of active usefulness. Converted to God, she embraced opportunities to urge the importance of religion on the senior girls, by whom she was greatly beloved. I have lost an efficient helper. Her death was improved on Sunday, December 30th, to a densely crowded congregation, from Mark xiv. 8. 'She hath done what she could.' God grant that some one, likeminded with our departed and dear friend, may be raised up to fill her place. An aged member | of our church, likewise, has just died; but in confidence of eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Divine mercy I am still enabled to preach three times on the Lord's day, and my work is my delight; the best of all is, God is with us. Heavenly influences are often realised. He does indeed verify his precious word: 'In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.' Our number in the church and congregation keeps good, glory be to God! I am deeply anxious to see sinners converted to Him. May He give me the desire of my heart before I die, by granting us a glorious outpouring of His blessed Spirit." BODMIN.-The Rev. T. J. KIGHTLEY remarks:-"By the good hand of our God upon us we have been safely conducted through the year. Our congrehaving been neither increase nor dimingation remains about the same, there ution. A few have been added to the church, and there are several others in the congregation of whom good hope is entertained. Some seasons of refreshing have been enjoyed, but these have not been so full nor so frequent as our hearts have wished; but our trust is in Him who has promised, 'As thy days so shall thy strength be;' and also, I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thy offspring. And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water-courses.' BRIGHTON.- The Rev. J. SORTAIN writes:-"As regards the history of North-street Chapel during the past year, I am truly thankful to say, that I have been enabled to preach, without an exception, both on Sunday mornings and evenings, and on Thursday, ever since last June, when I returned from the baths of Vichy, in France; that the congregations have been always overflowing; that the addition of communicants, of all ages, has brought me often into the most affecting acquaintance with the life of spiritual religion among my people; that the Sunday schools have advanced to the number of 400 scholars and 35 teachers, and that their contributions to the Missionary Society have been unexampled |