Reviews. for scholars; co-operation of ministers; | price, would prove a great desideratum. kindness; firmness and prayer; more We have a good Connexional chapel simplicity and spirituality in teaching; Hymn Book, why not have a Sunday church members taking deeper interest School Hymn Book to accompany it? in the prosperity of the School; the nature and importance of the work being impressed more fully on the minds of the teachers; separate services for children; earnest and constant prayer; good order in appointing children to their classes; pastor and teachers occasionally meeting with the elder children in order to ascertain their spiritual state; the formation of classes to prepare young people for becoming teachers: preparation of lessons: a good library for the use of teachers; attempting to influence the parents more effectually through the children." A decidedly practical bearing has been given to this paper, and mere hints have been made to suffice where enlarged remark might have been offered. The returns have been encouraging, yet much remains to be done. The Sunday School Institution is comparatively in its infancy. The attendance at many Schools might be greatly increased with a little exertion Systematic canvassing would do much. The libraries might be considerably enlarged and new life infused into them through the assistance of the Societies which exist for aiding with grants of books. The importance of keeping School Registers cannot be too highly estimated. Recording instances of usefulness is respectfully urged upon the consideration of Sunday School Secretaries. A condensed history of the rise and progress of each School should be inserted in the Minute Book for reference. The adoption of infant classes upon the simultaneous method of instruction would prove a valuable adjunct to each School. It is important also to enlist the co-operation and sympathy of the parents of the scholars. Systematic teaching and careful preparation of the lessons is invaluable. The cultivation of a deeper toned personal piety and more fervent prayer for the Holy Spirit's influences cannot be too deeply impressed. And lastly we would suggest the compilation of a Sunday School Hymn Book (supplemental to the Evangelical,) to contain hymns suitable to the ordinary exercises of the School, the wants of elder scholars and bible classes, with a few adapted to the usual teachers' meetings and anniversary occasions. Such a book, offered at a low MILLENIAL STUDIES: or What saith the Scripture concerning the Kingdom and Advent of Christ? By the Rev. W. P. Lyon, B.A., Tunbridge Wells. London: Ward and Co. Prophetical studies are pre-eminently the occupation of the present generation. The books on the various subjects connected with the future find an eager class of purchasers, who rapidly devour their contents, and still cry out for more. The supply flows as fast, if not faster than the demand; and such maufacturers of prophetical works as Dr. Cumming acquire notoriety by the mere rapidity with which they spin their speculations, weave them into form and language, and bring their productions into the market. There are two great classes into which prophetic works may be divided: the Pre-Millenial and the Post-Millenial. The first are anxious to establish the fact that Christ will come and introduce the millenial age, and reign throughout it; the second are as eager to show that the millenial period will precede the coming of Christ, and that when he comes it will be to wind up the great human economy, to raise the dead, judge the world, and fix the final condition of every human being. To the first of these classes belong Dr. Cumming, Messrs. Birks, Bonar, Molyneux, and others; to the second Dr. Brown, of Glasgow, Waldegrave in his Bampton lectures, and the author of these "Studies." The book before us is a clear, calm, and forcible statement of the objections which the scriptures make to the views which are held by Millenarians. It has rather a fragmentary aspect; which is accounted for by the fact that the contents originally appeared in a series of papers on the Millenium in the Evangelical Magazine, where they attracted considerable notice. It points out very clearly the true nature of Christ's mediatorial kingdom, and brings the test of scripture to the scheme of the personal reign of Christ in Jerusalem, to which the Millenarians attach so much importance. to sitate his second incarnation; make Judaism preparatory to Christianity, and then Christianity preparatory to Judaism; and own the superiority of that yoke, which Peter says "neither we nor our fathers were able to bear," to the freedom which Christ has brought in. The very extravagancies into which their theory leads many pious and devoted christians only shows how careful we should be to keep to the plain practical statement of scripture, and watch for providence to unfold the future, and interpret the plans of God. With them the coming of Christ is all. | occupies, to the temporal and local throne He is to convert the Gentiles-to restore of David at Jerusalem. It would necesthe Jews-to rebuild Jerusalem-to reestablish Judaism-re-erect the temple, and cause sacrifices to be offered-Levites be consecrated-and the Aaronic order of priesthood to be revived. To substantiate these views the scriptures are ransacked, and the darkest and most difficult passages brought together. Isaiah furnishes some golden lore; Ezekiel some mysterious visions; Daniel some dark prophecies; Christ, some parables; the Apostles some figures and dreams; and with these heterogeneous materials the future is drawn out and painted, according to the idiosyncracies of the individual. Each one has his own rule of interpretation; and often arbitrarily decides that this must be understood figuratively and literally, when others have decided that the reverse is to be adopted. We have not space to follow the course of the argument as unfolded in this book; but would recommend all our readers who are anxious about the Millenial state to give this work a careful perusal. It is to be regretted that many are so absorbed in the subject that the present is lost in the future, and duty is neglected by vain expectancy. The fact that Christ shall come again is clearly unfolded in the scriptures; the time however is left encased with mystery, and it is not for us to know the times and the seasons. We have present duties to discharge, and the various calls that are pressing upon us are quite sufficient to engage our attention, without spending our lives in prophetic guesses and speculations. Many have driven themselves mad with attempting to dive into the future; and we know several persons whose whole existence is so wrapt up in their view of the future, that whenever they meet us all their conversation, whether in the street or the drawing room, is about "the number of the beast,' the "great horn,' Gog and Magog,' and such things. We are quite sure that such views cannot foster an intelligent and devout piety, and do bring down the heavy weapons of the sceptic upon christianity, as a religious system which includes such doctrines. To our mind, the Millenarian theory is derogatory to the honour of Christ, and the real welfare of the Church. It seeks either to deny his reign now, or to remove him from that universal throne which he now "" 66 THE RUSSIAN CHURCH: a sketch of the orthodox Greek Faith; together with an account of the Rites and Ceremonies of the Russian and Eastern Churches. By an Ecclesiastic. London: Heylin, Paternoster-row. This "Ecclesiastic" has never been associated with the Church of which he has given an interesting sketch. Had he been practically acquainted with its working he would have been either enthusiastic in his praises or fierce in his denunciations, according to his present relation to that church. He is an English ecclesiastic of a free and liberal community, and delights to scan the religious institutions of our late enemy, and to enlighten the world with the result of his labours. The sketch he has given has many admirable qualities. It is short and readable-runs over facts and incidents with celerity and ease-and mingles the serious and the lively, the faith and the practice, in happy combinations. It does not tire with unpronounceable names and minute details : but in the space of thirty-two pages gives the Rise and Progress of the Russian Church, and the doctrines which are believed, and the ceremonies which are practised. As a specimen of the style of the work, we will quote the observation of the author on their marriage ceremonies. "Marriage is another of the Greek mysteries. The secular clergy marry but once, are bound to be wedded to a virgin before ordination, and she must belong to the sacred caste. In Russia, Pagan customs still prevail in marriage. On the wedding night the bridegroom applies a whip to the back of his bride, whilst she is in the act of stoop ing down to take off his boots, in token of her complete subjection to her husband. The ceremony at the altar consists, first, of betrothal, when the man and woman exchange rings, the one of gold and the other of silver, as pledges of mutual affection and perpetual fidelity. The next part is the coronation, when the bridal pair join hands, and drink wine together; and the priest crowns them, in Greece, with a wreath of olive leaves, trimmed with purple and white; in Russia, with coronets gold, silver, or tin, which are kept in the churches for the purpose. The third act in the ceremony is the dissolving of crowns, accompanied with prayers. During these performances, the priest makes several crosses upon the bride and bridegroom, puts lighted wax tapers into their hands, and perfumes them with incense." General Intelligeure. THE REVOLUTION IN SPAIN. Spain has been for a long period almost beyond the sphere of European politics. The internal disasters which have befallen the unhappy country have gradually weakened her power, and destroyed the interest which Spanish affairs once created in European circles. A revolution transpires, and except to those who are immediately concerned, very little notice is taken of the struggles of the people. The contest here is very different from a revolution in France. There whoever possesses Paris, rules; but here, Madrid may be taken, yet the Cortes can remove to any other place and legally exert their authority. In this revolution, the Constitutional party, with Espartero at its head, withstood the encroachment of the Queen's party, urged on by the factious spirit of Marshal O'Donnell. The latter triumphed-Madrid revolted-the Cortes fled the provinces rose in arms-and the whole country has been convulsed. Success, however, has for a time crowned the arms of the military dictator; but we cannot think his fresh laurels will long remain green. Spain is entirely under Jesuitical rule, and from the style of some of the pamphlets which the ecclesiastics have published, it may safely be predicted that, if they were permitted to grasp the reins of power, their Spanish blood would boil with jealousy and rage, and their furious spirit bring back the terrors of the Inquisition. When shall Spain receive the light which alone can enlighten her benighted condition? ECCLESIASTICAL GOSSIP. An American editor once apologized for the non-appearance of his paper by pleading the heat of the atmosphere, which incapacitated him for writing. During the past sultry month, intelligence has been scanty, and expressed in as few words as possible. We shall therefore present our readers with a little ecclesiastical gossip. Open air preaching has been vigorously carried on, and much good has arisen from it. Mr. Townley, missionary from India, has, this year, again held his services on the sands, at Ramsgate. The Mormons are very active, and enticing many to submit to the rite of baptism in some river. They find the extreme heat a useful auxiliary. The vacant chair of Theology and Church History in the English Presbyterian College has been filled up by the appointment of Dr. M'Crie, of Edinburgh. The Bishop of Manchester will be promoted to the see of Durham, and the recently appointed Bishop of Carlisle is likely to be advanced to the diocese of London. The see of Durham appears to favour longevity, as only twenty prelates have held it since the Reformation. The Emperor of Russia has ordered that the ecclesiastics of all the christian creeds professed in the Russian Empire shall be officially invited to be present at the coronation. The Archbishop of Cherson and Taurida lately arrived at Sebastopol to bless the southern part of the town, which the Emperor has ordered to be rebuilt. The scene was dreary, the spectators few, and the ceremony as grand as military and ecclesiastical pomp could make it. A secret struggle is going on still at Vienna between the high clergy and the government. The former wish to carry out the concordat; the latter tremble at the result. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. Cheltenham has been honoured with a visit from the British Association for the advancement of Science. The twenty sixth annual meeting was held in that fashionable town, when Science summoned her laborious friends to report what they had been doing in their various departments, and what was likely to be effected during the coming year. Several excursions were made by the members to the objects of interest in the neighbourhood; the attractive walks, spas, and gardens in Cheltenham were thrown open; and the town was converted into an intellectual arena where the battles of science were fought and won. Madam Vestris, for eighteen years the wife of Charles Matthews, and long the star of the theatrical world, has at length fallen a victim to death. Her talents were peculiar, and charmed that world who live for pleasure. It is a sorry spectacle to see genius and splendid powers producing nothing higher than the burlesque ! Two literary memorials are in process of formation. At King's College, London, a prize is to be founded in honour of Sir R. Inglis: and a committee are now deliberating on the plan of establishing at Cambridge a Hare prize for historical composition, to the memory of the Archdeacon of Lewes. Things Lew and Old. "Well then," said the ferryman, "your WHOLE life is lost, for the boat's going to the bottom." Moral:-LEARN TO SWIM. BAD BOOKS. Books are company; and the company of bad books is as dangerous as the company of bad boys or bad men. Goldsmith, who was a novel-writer of some note, writing to his brother about the education of a nephew, says, "Above all things never let your nepnew touch a novel or a romance." An opinion given in such a manner must have been an honest opinion; and, as he knew the character of novels, and had no nice scruples on the subject of religion, his opinion ought to have great weight. CONSCIENCE. looks forward and keeps him from doing Neighbour Jones has a conscience that wrong. But neighbour Smith's conscience is of the ex-post-facto order, never manifesting itself till after the wrong deed is done, and then acting as a terrible avenger. How many there are of this kind, always sinning and always repent THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE ing! No class of men, in a moral point of view, suffers so much as they. THINK OF OTHERS. The Rev. John Berridge was once visited by a very loquacious young lady, who, forgetting the modesty of her sex, and the superior gravity of an aged divine, engrossed all the conversation of the interview with small-talk concerning herself; when she arose to depart, he gravely said: "Madam, before you with. draw, I have one piece of advice to give you; and that is, when you go into company again, after you have talked half-an-hour without intermission, I recommend it to you to stop a while, and see if any other of the company has anything to say." PRAY AND THRIVE. The Rev. Mr. Carter, a Puritan divine, was once in company with a poor man, who complained of the hardships of his condition, saying, "Mr. Carter, what will become of me? I work hard and fare hard, and yet I cannot thrive." The reply of Mr. Carter was: "You still want one thing; you must work hard, and fare hard, and pray hard, and then you will be sure to thrive." POLITICS AND RELIGION. A Christian has no right anywhere or under any circumstances, to be anything else than a Christian. He must ask about a political, as well as about any other act, the question, "Is it right or wrong?" And by the answer to that question must he be guided. It is just as wicked to lie about politics as to lie about merchandize. It is just as immoral to act without reference to the law of God at a caucus, or anywhere else. To prefer our own interests, or the interests of party, to that of our country is treason against that country and sin against God. And it matters not whether that treason be perpetrated with a ballot or with a bayonet, at the caucus or in the field. And still more, no man can be more sure of putting an end to his religion. That man may yet find himself in eternity without his religion, and it may not be there quite so easy as it is on earth to resume it. "There is no shuffling."-Wayland. AN AMERICAN PRAYER-MEETING ANECDOTE. Private individuals, who would never have been heard of by us, but for their Christian zeal, have effected that which entitles them to honourable notice. A revival was brought about by one who well deserved the title of an "honourable woman." Religion was at so low an ebb that it was determined to give up the prayer meetings. The evening which was wont to be set aside for prayer arrived. It was dark and tempestuous. All adhered to their eventful resolution except an old woman, who lived at some distance from the house of prayer. She could not give up the privileged hour, but threw her cloak about her, took her lantern, and made her way to God's deserted altar. There she spent the hour alone; yet never less alone. On her home she called on a sister in the Lord, who, in astonishment, exclaimed, 66 Mother, where have you been in such a stormy night as this?" "I have been at the prayer meeting," replied the mother in Israel. "Why, I understood the meeting was given up." No, nor shall it be," rejoined the good old woman. "But who could be there?" continued her friend. 66 'Well, I read, and prayed, and meditated, and there was present God the Father, God the Son, and God 66 way the Holy Ghost; and we have had such a delightful meeting! It will be held again next week, and I hope the place will be full." It was so; her prayer was accepted; the heavenly assurance was registered, “From this time will I bless thee." "That which this woman hath done shall be spoken for a memorial of her." WOMAN AMONG THE OJIBWAS. In a recent address before a MissionOjibwa ary. Society in London, an Indian said: the tribe it is a day of rejoicing, because "When a boy is born in it is considered that he will make a fine warrior; but when a female is born, it is a time of sorrow and it is said, 'A good-for-nothing girl is born.' The is not good, kisses the poor child, and poor mother, knowing that the news says, 'Father does not love you, but I do;' and then, taking the infant by the legs, dashes out its brains, exclaiming, 'Would to God my mother had done so with me when I was born; I should not then have been such a slave."-Wright on the Condition of Women. THE FEMALE SEX. The celebrated traveller Ledgard paid the following handsome tribute to the female sex:-"I have observed," he says, "that women in all countries are civil, obliging, tender, and humane. I never addressed myself to them in the language of decency and friendship without receiving a decent and friendly answer. With man it has often been otherwise. In wandering over the barren plains of inhospitable Denmark; through honest Sweden and frozen Lapland; rude and churlish Finland; unprincipled Russia, and the wide-spread region of the wandering Tartar ;-if hungry, dry, cold, wet, or sick, the women have ever been friendly to me, and uniformly so; and to add to this virtue (so worthy the appellation of benevolence), these actions have been performed in so free and kind a manner, that if I was dry I drank the sweetest draught; and if hungry I eat the coarsest morsel with a double re lish." A WORD TO MINISTERS. Ministers are fishermen: Now you know if fishermen should wind their nets together, they would catch nothing; but if they would catch the fish, they must |