ferences, which will induce us to hesitate, at least, upon many bold assertions occurring in some published tours and travels on the continent. The English tourist, rapidly moving along the high roads, and living at hotels, is likely to meet with little more than the froth and foam which floats on the surface of society. The retirement of private families--the usual abodes of morality and religion, is not readily thrown open to passing strangers. The evidence is indeed undeniable, of abounding wickedness in most parts of the continent; and it should stir up our compassion, our prayers, and our zeal: but the grounds of thankfulness are not wanting, that a holy seed yet remains, and that it is germinating towards an effectual and extensive increase.

The little extracts which I shall make, I propose to arrange under these heads :--

I. The manner of holding the meetings of Bible Societies.

II. Facts and observations referring to the circulation and the right use of the scriptures.

III. Indications of the interest which is taken by foreign Christians in the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom.

IV. Passages which, either directly or by allusion and implication, supply evidence of the doctrinal sentiments which are entertained, and the way in which they are connected with experimental and practical religion.

The first of these divisions is now submitted. If that prove acceptable, the others will follow. J. P. S.

I. The MANNER of holding Bible Meetings. In Paris a public room appears to be the place of meeting, but in the country parts of France the Protestant temples are used; and in Germany and in Switzerland the parish churches, and in some cities the ancient cathedrals. Prayer, at both the beginning and the close of the meeting, is, in most of the reports, stated to have been offered up, and sometimes a copy of the prayers is added.

When speeches are inserted, they bear marks of having been composed with great care; and all of them treat upon appropriate topics with distinguished judgment and accuracy. Those of M. Stapfer, (the nephew of the celebrated Zurich divine) are, in this respect, most remarkable indeed. They might be called dissertations on subjects of peculiar interest; and they are the results of universal learning and extensive research, applied by a mind of extraordinary fertility and power: these occur in the reports of the Paris Society. Gravity and seriousness are always reigning qualities of the speeches which are published. Attempts at wit, irrelevant ramblings, and far-fetched materials arbitrarily forced into the service, never appear. One highly pleasing characteristic is the spirit of decided piety which usually shows itself in both speeches and reports.

Little appears of a disposition to avoid or tread lightly upon the holy ground of personal religion, in order to conciliate men of the world.

In Germany it does not appear that usually motions are proposed with speeches delivered upon them: but the more general practice seems to be, that, in connection with the reading of the reports, sermons are preached, and after the service collections are made at the doors. The Committees, Members, &c. then commonly retire to the Pastor's house, or to some other contiguous place, to transact the yearly business.

The Germans are characteristically a musical people. Luther was a great composer and performer. Under his heaviest troubles he made his flute auxiliary to his prayers, for soothing his perturbed spirits. Zuinglius played upon every principal instrument then in use. In both Germany and Switzerland, vocal and instrumental music bear a large share in the conducting of the Bible-Festivals, as they style the Anniver

saries.

In the Report of the Berne Society for 1824, it is recorded that the members of a Musical Association in that city greatly contributed to "exalt the festival, by their beautiful singing of hymns of praise."

The order of proceeding is more minutely detailed in the Eighth Annual Report of the Society at Buntzlau, in Silesia, Oct. 15, 1823. "The festival was held in the Lutheran church of this town. After the hymn, Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend,' (Lord Jesus Christ, turn us to thee') the choir, consisting of the young men of the Seminary, and the children of the Royal Orphan School, led by Prof. Karow, sang Rolle's anthem, 'Es ist in keinem andern heil,' ('In no other is salvation.') Then the Rev. Pastor Fricke uttered a prayer at the altar; after which was sung the chorus of Handel, Singt unserm Gott, und macht sein lob bekannt, (Sing to our God, and spread abroad his praise ;') and then the whole congregation sang the hymn, Lobt den Herrn des geisterheere, ('Praise the Lord of angel-hosts.") Then the Rev. Prof. Henning ascended the pulpit and preached from Matt. xiii. 1---9, [the parable of the sower; the heads of the sermon are given.] Extracts were then read out of the preceding year's Report, which had been printed and distributed a week before, and some of the most important information received since was introduced. Between the pauses of the sermon was sung the hymn, Herr dein wort, die edle gabe' ('Lord, thy word, that noble gift;') and after the sermon, Der

* The late Baroness de Stael says of them, in her own smart and just manner, "The imagination and the sensibility of the Germans could not content itself with a prosaic religion."

Herr ist gross and hoch erhæht,' ('Great is the Lord, exalted high,') followed by the chorus, from a hymn of Klein's Ich danke,' &c. (With my whole heart I bless the Lord, and all his wonders tell.') Then the Rev. Saperintendent Franke went to the altar, and sang a collect and benediction. As a close of the whole, the choir sang a piece and chorus of Handel's, 'In urs're chœre,' &c. (In our songs be ye united, O ye ranks of cherubim!")"

THE CASE OF THE EXILED SWISS MINISTERS.

It extremely grieves us to learn that the sum only of 1777. 7s. has been received on behalf of this most urgent and distressing case. We have now before us a statement of facts relating to four of the expatriated Ministers, which details sufferings and privations equalled only by the Christian fortitude, meekness, and patience, with which they have been endured. We subjoin a list of the sums received, by which it will be seen, that the whole amount transmitted to Dr. Smith and the committee who act with him, has been derived from twenty-eight sources--a pitiful illustration of the degree in which this great Christian community, blessed as it is with civil and religious liberty, has sympathized with its persecuted brethren in a foreign land. We lament exceedingly that our limits will not justify an insertion, for the present month, of the highly interesting documents now before us; but when we inform our readers that they have been copied and forwarded by Dr. Smith, they will not be inclined to doubt their accuracy or their urgency. We most earnestly entreat the followers of the Saviour not to allow this opportunity of glorifying him, by supporting and comforting his persecuted servants, to escape without improvement, in that practical way which can alone meet the demands of the case. The sums collected are the following. Daniel Lister, Esq. 107.; a Friend 107.; Mr. W. Pilling, Salford, 37.; Mrs. Burchett, Brighton, 201.; a cup of cold water, by the Rev. Dr. Winter, 17.; a collection at the Rev. Christopher Anderson's Meeting, Edinburgh, 251.; A. B. Bedworth 107.; Thomas Thompson, Esq. 51. 5s.; Rev. Dr. Collyer 51. 5s.; a-Well-wisher 17.; a Northamptonshire Friend, by the Rev. Thomas Hopkins, 57.; John Kennard, Esq. 51. 5s.; Mrs. Desonmeaux 17.; W. from Manchester, 57.; Sam. Robinson, Esq. 51.; W. Pearson, Esq. 57.; Mr. Moore Il.; Miss Moore 17.; Miss Moore, Bath, 27.; Mr. C. Alsager 21. 2s.; Mrs. Suiger, Westbury, 27.; a Few Protestant Dissenters, at Wilton, by Mrs. Croome, 21.; Mr. J. Gilbert 10s.; Mr. Wills 27.; Jas. Lean, Esq. Macclesfield, 27.; A. Hankey, Esq. 107.; Collection by Dr. Smith's Congregation 257. 10s. Of the above sums 1107. have been forwarded to the most necessitous of the persecuted Ministers.

AFPLICATION TO PARLIAMENT ON THE SUBJECT OF SLAVERY.

It must be truly animating to the friends of liberty to find that the disgraceful system of colonial slavery is becoming every day less palatable to the enlightened subjects of this great Empire. Meetings have been convened in many of the principal towns, with a view to draw the attention of the Legislature afresh to this enormous abuse. The meeting at Norwich was honoured by the attendance of Mr. Gurney, who delivered one of the most effective addresses on the occasion, that perhaps has ever yet been heard in opposition to slavery. And while we are just writing this notice, the greatest champion of slave emancipation our country ever produced, (we mean W. Wilberforce, Esq.) is advocating the glorious cause at Free Masons' Hall, where he has kindly engaged to take the chair of the "Society for the mitigation and gradual Abolition of Slavery throughout the British dominions." From this meeting, and others which either have been held or will yet be convened, we look for great things. May the chain of oppression be every where burst asunder, that the captive may go free!--- See our Review, page 21.

MR. OWEN'S DISCOVERY OF THE ORIGIN OF MORAL EVIL!

This boasted philanthropist, in a vapouring address to the Americans, bearing date 1st October, 1825, in which he is anxious to protect them from the religious evils of the old world, thus expresses himself, in regard to

truths which are written in the Book of God as with a sun-beam. "The greatest and most lamentable of these are the notions, that human nature has been so formed as to be able to believe and disbelieve, and to love and hate at pleasure; and that there can be merit or demerit in believing or disbelieving, and in loving or hating. These false notions are the origin of evil, and the real cause of all sin and misery among mankind!!" See our Review of Dr. Wardlaw's Sermons, p. 17.

PROVINCIAL.

REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS.

THE REV. Robert Hall, A.M. of Leicester, we are informed, has accepted an unanimous and pressing call, from the Christian church lately under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Ryland, of Bristol. The Rev. George Redford, A. M. of Uxbridge, is under engagement to succeed the Rev. Robert Vaughan, now of Kensington, in his late charge at Worcester. The Rev. David Dunkerly, late of Loxley, near Sheffield, has removed to Ebenezer Chapel, Townley street, Macclesfield. The Rev. E. Corbishley has accepted an undivided call to the pastoral charge of the Independent Church at Appledore, North Devon.

ORDINATIONS.

On Wednesday, October 26th, 1895, the Rev. G. D. Mudie, late of Rochford, Essex, was set apart to the pastoral office, over the Independent Church at Chesterfield. In the morning, the Rev. Mr. Dixon, of Sheffield, commenced the service, with reading and prayer. The Rev. Thomas Smith, A. M., Classical Tutor of Rotherham College, then delivered a luminous and impressive discourse, exhibiting the principles of non-conformity, and the scriptural authority for the order of congregational churches. And the Rev. Mr. Docker, of Sheffield, offered up the general prayer, and concluded. In the evening, the Rev. Mr. Jefferson, of Attercliffe, commenced with reading and prayer; the Rev. Mr. Boden, of Sheffield, preached a most suitable sermon to the minister and people; the Rev. Mr. Jones, (Baptist) of Chesterfield, concluded. The Rev. Messrs. Hine, Barton, Orange, and Waterfield took part in the interesting services of the occasion, which were witnessed by large and attentive auditories, both parts of the day.

On Thursday, Nov. 24, 1825, the Rev. Wm. Copley, late of Watford, Herts, was recognized as pastor of the Congregational Church in Oxford. The Rev. T. Morgan, of Birmingham, delivered the introductory discourse, and received the statements of the church, and its newly-elected pastor. Mr. C. was addressed by his late pastor and tutor, the Rev. Dr. Steadman, president of Bradford Academy, from Luke xii. 42. The devotional services of the morning were conducted by Rev. J. Tyso, of Wallingford, and Rev. T. Helmore, of Stratford.

In the evening the Rev. T. Coles, of Bourton, preached to the people from Phil. ii. 29. The Rev. T. Price, of Coate, and the Rev. J. Hinton, of St. Clement's, Oxford, conducted the public devotions.

The services of the day were peculiarly solemn and impressive; may they prove the prelude to long and extended prosperity!

It will be no doubt recollected that this interesting and important station was occupied with distinguished acceptance and usefulness by the Rev. James Hinton, M.A. for a period of thirty-six years. Since his removal in 1823, though destitute of the labours of a stated pastor, the church has been, through the divine goodness, preserved in peace and stedfastness, and at length it is happily united in its newly chosen pastor, and grateful to the overruling care of the Great Shepherd, which they trust has directed the movements of both pastor and people, and whose blessing on the union they fervently implore.

On Tuesday, November 15th, 1825, the Rev. Richard Robinson, late of Cratfield, Suffolk, was publicly recognised as pastor of the United Independent Churches at Witham; the Rev. R. Burls, of Maldon, introduced the service by reading and prayer; the Rev. A. Wells, of Coggeshall, delivered

the Introductory discourse; one of the deacons gave a short account of the measures which led to the connexion; the Rev. T. Craig, of Bocking, offered the intercessory prayer; the Rev. J. Fletcher, A. M. of Stepney, preached the sermon on the reciprocal duties of minister and people, from 1 Cor. xvi. 14; and the Rev. S. Morell, of Baddow, concluded the service with prayer. A sermon was preached in the evening by the Rev. Wm. Stevens, from Castle Hedingham; the devotional services were conducted by the Rev. D. Smith, of Brentwood, and the Rev. J. Dennant, of Halesworth.

On Wednesday, August 24th, 1825, Mr. Greenway, late of Hoxton Academy, was ordained over the church and congregation assembling for the worship of God in the Independent Chapel, Bere Regis, Dorsetshire. The Rev. Messrs. Hall, Woodbridge, Hooper, James, Keynes, Dobson, Wills, Caston, Gay, Waller, Bulgen, Shoveller, Collins, and Atkins, took part in the service.

Died, at Glasgow, on the morning of the 17th of Dec., the Rev. Dr. Love, formerly of London, and one of the earliest friends of the Missionary Society.

Also, at Margate, on the 21st November, the Rev. Mr. Atkinson, a faithful and laborious servant of Christ.

FOREIGN.

RUSSIA.

DEATH OF ALEXANDER, THE EMPEROR OF ALL THE RUSSIANS.

THIS melancholy event, the date of which has not as yet transpired in this country, will doubtless create a considerable sensation in Russia itself, and throughout all Europe. He was,beyond doubt, a man of enlightened views, and aimed assiduously at the improvement of his numerous subjects. By his exertions science had begun to dawn upon his vast empire, and under his sanction, religious instruction and the dispersion of the Holy Scriptures, had made considerable progress. Of late, indeed, Bible and Missionary institutions in Russia were somewhat checked in their career; but we have strong reasons for asserting, that the dignitaries of the Russian church were more to blame for this than the Emperor himself. His Imperial Majesty was born December 23, 1777, succeeded his father, Paul, on the 24th of March, 1801, and was declared Czar and King in 1815. The Arch-Duke Constantine, brother of the Em. peror, is mentioned as presumptive heir to the throne. A rumour has obtained slight circulation, that the Emperor was murdered, but we hope this will be found incorrect.

SANDWICH ISLANDS.

Brief Remarks on the Sandwich Islands, and on the Christian Mission which has been established there.

THE Sandwich Islands are ten in number, and bear the following names, written according to the orthography adopted by the missionaries, who have given to the people of those islands a written language, viz. Hawaii, Maui, Tahuráwa, Ránai Morokai, Oahu, Taúai, Niihaú, Taúra, and Morokini.

These islands are situated in the Pacific. Ocean, between 18° 50 and 22o 20/ north latitude, and 154° 55′ and 160 15! west longitude from Greenwich. They are extended in a direction W.N.W. and E.S.E. Hawaii being the southeastern island.

The estimated length, breadth, and superficial contents, of each island, is as follows:--

of Mounaroa, midway between the ocean and the summit, is one of the most remarkable volcanoes in the world.*

Hawaii exhibits much to the beholder that is grand and sublime. Most of the other islands, particularly Oahu, Tauai, and Maui, are picturesque and romantic. Some portions of the islands are remarkably fertile; other portions have but a scanty vegetation; and others are nothing but barren lava. Oahu is probably the most luxuriant island in the whole groupe.

The lands most susceptible of cultivation, lie generally within from two to seven miles of the sea. The interior is broken into steep ridges and deep ravines.

The chief productions are sweet potatoes, taro, and, in some of the islands, yams; bananas, sugar-cane, water-melons, muskmelons, cucumbers, cabbages, beans, and the cloth plant, are also cultivated, together with a few oranges and pine-apples.

The population of the islands is estimated at 130,000. Of this Hawaii contains 85,000, and Oahu 20,000.

The islands are now subject to one government, consisting of a king, and a considerable body of chiefs. The government, in all its branches, is hereditary. The king is

* For an interesting description of this volcano, and the islands in general, we refer our readers to the Narrative of a Tour of the Sandwich Islands, which Mr. Ellis is about to publish by subscription.. It will be comprised in one volume 8vo. price 12s.; and will, it is hoped, be out during the present, or early in the ensuing month. Subscribers names, addressed to Mr. Ellis, Mission House, Austin-Friars, will be by him thankfully received.

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