THE LONDON CITY MISSION. THE twenty-ninth annual meeting of this Society was held in Exeter Hall. The chair was taken by Joseph Hoare, Esq.

The Rev. J. Garwood read the report, of which the following is an abstract :

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"The committee rejoice to state that the Lord has during the past year greatly prospered the Society, and granted to it distinguished mercies which they cannot record without an acknowledgment of His hand in all which they have received. The income of the Society during the past year has been £41,467 4s. 5d. This is an increase of no less than £5,714 7s. 8d. on the receipts of the previous year, the largest annual increase which has yet been granted to the Society; and it is the more important from the previous financial difficulties in which the Society has been involved. The associations, both in London and in the provinces, have very generally sustained their payments, which the committee consider to be a cause for great thankfulness, when the great multiplicity of kindred agency which has happily sprung up in all directions within the last few years is considered, and this fact would lead the committee to indulge the hope that, while these various new efforts may receive that support which their claims demand, the old society, which is now entering on the thirtieth year of its history, will not be forgotten, or allowed to diminish its exertions, which are as much needed in this great metropolis as ever; for so rapid is the increase of population that it, to a great extent, counterbalances the advantage of the increased efforts of late years. The returns of the Mission this year show a large num ber of adults visited in their sickness and until their death than in any former year of the Society's existence; the proportion of persons unvisited, which for several years was about two in seven, now exceeds one in three, and this large and increasing number of persons owe to the London City Mission alone that religious visitation which they received at the close of their days. It is also to be borne in mind, that even of the remainder, a large proportion would not have received other visitation if their cases had not been discovered by the missionary, and by him brought before the minister. There has been a decidedly more than usual amount of sickness and death in the districts during the past year. The sick visits of the missionaries have considerably exceeded a quarter of a million, and were at the rate of 715 daily. Five of the missionaries have died during the year, each one of whom was in the prime of life. In perusing the 390 annual reports, which have been sent in by the missionaries, the feature which most immediately strikes the reader as peculiar to this past year, is the very general reference to the inconveniences and injury experienced in the districts, by the displacing of the poor

by railways and new thoroughfares. The population is thus driven more closely together, to the subversion of domestic comfort and decency. Amongst these populations the mission has to work from day to day, and by God's blessing it has not worked among them in vain. At such a time as the present, that the Bible should be more generally in the abodes of the poor than probably has ever yet been the case, is an espe cial cause of thankfulness.. This is due to a variety of agencies besides our own, and more especially to the new and important Bible-women movement of late years. But the Mission has endeavoured to do its part, assisted by the constant generosity which it has experienced from the committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society in supply. ing its wants. The Society's circulation of tracts had been larger this year than in any previous year, and has exceeded 3,100,000. It is to the invaluable publications of the Religious Tract Society that the Mission is mainly indebted, and it is through the very liberal terms on which the committee of that Society supply the Mission with its publications, at a considerable loss to themselves, that the Mission has been enabled so very largely to purchase of them during the past year. The indoor meetings of the Mission, 45,436 in number, have this year been both more numerous and also better attended than in any previous year. They have averaged 127 meetings daily, and the attendants have averaged thirty-three persons. A large number of these meetings are held in rooms granted freely by the poor, the Society in no case paying rent; and in other cases where the meetings have been larger than an ordinary room would accommodate, the attendants themselves have paid the cost. A few years since it was with many most guarded expressions, that the missionaries of that Society were allowed to engage in the irregularity has now become the practice of the clergy themselves, and even bishops have not considered it beneath their dignity, or contrary to that ecclesiastical order of which they are the guardians, to conduct them. The missionaries still continue those primitive services. More than 4,000 such services have been held by them this year, and often The with the happiest results. missionaries report 1,182 drunkards reclaimed during the year, which is, with one exception, the largest number yet returned in a single year, averaging more than three every day. The visitation of the foreigners of London is an important special depart ment of the Society's labour. It embraces foreigners of almost every nation. other department of the Society's opera tion is, perhaps, the most important of all the special visitations, and that is the visitations of public-houses. They are thankful to state that nine missionaries are thus employed, and that their visits are

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thankfully received. In conclusion, the committee say there must be no standing still on the part of our religious societies, but they must constantly enlarge their income and their labours, if they are to act in accordance with the requirements demanded from them, and the increase of work before them. Peace and prosperity have characterized the year. Mercies of every kind surround us. By grace we stand. Of that grace we are all the continual recipients. And shall not they who have been themselves dealt with so graciously be excited by that grace to exercise pity on those around, and to return in that feeble way which in them lies that mercy and that love of which they have been the partakers.

The speakers were, the Rev. Dr. Edmond, Lord Charles Russell, Rev. J. C. Ryle, Rev. Francis Sharr, Rev. S. Manning, Rev. W. Cadman, W. J. Maxwell, Esq., and Colonel Tudor Lavie.

ASYLUM FOR IDIOTS.

THE annual general court and spring election in connection with this charity was held yesterday week, at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street. Mr. Alderman Abbiss presided. The secretary read the report of the board of management, which stated that during the year legacies had been bequeathed to the institution to the extent of £4,537. During the year 60 cases had been received by election, and 30 more would be that day elected, while it was intended at the election in October next to elect 40, and that number might be improved upon at the election in next April. The total number of additional subscribers during the year had been 140. There had been a great increase in the number of visitors during the year, and one gentleman who had given his name for five

guineas was so moved and interested at the statements made by the Rev. Edwin Sydney at a meeting in Liverpool on behalf of the institution, that he increased his donation to 100 guineas. All the visitors had left with impressions of deep interest and gratification. From the financial statement it appeared that the total income for the year had been £25,037. 10s. 2d., and the expenditure £23,944. 12s. 10d.; leaving a balance at the bankers of £1,092. 17. 4d. The report was adopted.

THE annual meeting of this charity was held at the institution, Euston Road, on Tuesday, Sir John Anson, Bart., in the chair. The total number assisted in the year was 170, but the applicants had increased to 300. Of the 170 persons benefited 44 were married and had 64 children dependent upon them for support; 13 of them had been trained to understand as many as six industrial arts. A circular sawing firewood machine has been introduced. The six affiliated institutions afford assistance to 250 persons. The educational classes were attended by 150 persons, and educational apparatus and tools had been supplied to twenty British and foreign institutions for the blind. The total receipts had been £4,775. 10s. 4d., which included £2,458. 9s., for sale of goods made by the blind and the expenditure £4,917. 17s. 11d. The property had increased during the year £4,040. 2s. 10d., and three legacies are expected. The chief object now in view is to establish a shop in a good thoroughfare at the Westend.

John Foster vindicated from the Aspersions of Mr. Leifchild. Published in his recent work, entitled, "Life of Dr. Leifchild, by his Son." By ANGLICANUS. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

THIS pamphlet is marked by considerable asperity. Mr. John Leifchild is a man in point of spirit worthy of the admirable name he bears and his honoured father, and very unlikely to indulge in "careless or criminal criticisms ,, on such a name as that of John Foster. We think the character of the illustrious Essayist is sufficient to protect itself against all true or imaginary assaults, no matter whence proceeding. The writer of these pages discourses of Foster's "stainless and lofty integrity" and of "his moral

courage. ." Were they ever disputed? "His deep religious earnestness and untiring labour:" who, on reading his writings, will require any argument to support this claim? His "unaffected modesty : does not that virtue shine forth in every page of his luminous, eloquent, and all-powerful productions? "Enlightened benevolence and tenderness:" is not this again a thing to be equally taken for granted? In a word, the penning of the pamphlet was, we think, a work of supererogation, although it is lively and forcibly written, and the writer is clearly enough a man of very superior ability. Five Years of Prayer; with the Answers. By

SAMUEL IRENEUS PRIME. Nisbet & Co. DIVIDE and conquer, or select a line and

excel in it, is the motto of Mr. Prime. It will be recollected that he published a volume on prayer, at the close of the great spiritual movement which stretched throughout most of the American States. That volume was received with avidity in this country, read with eagerness, and we doubt not with profit by very many. It abounded in great facts, sound principles, and devout feeling, although there was a fair sprinkling of enthusiasm manifested. In the present case, however, there is very little of that we prefer this volume much to the former. It is more solid and instructive, and more fitted to awaken and to edify. In truth, we have no hesitation in assigning to it the first place amongst the revival works of late years. We have here, "Special Answers to Prayer" -"Remarkable Conversions "-"Praying Mothers and Wives "-" The Conversion of Children, of Papists, of Infidels," and others.

The Christian Treasury.

ANOTHER Word for this invaluable vehicle of truth, adapted to every class of society. The number is very excellent, combining length with brevity-milk with strong meat. There is something in the book for everybody, and for every condition of life. Few publications of the day are better worth the money.

Presbyterian Union in Connection with

Christian Union and the Duty of the
Civil Magistrate. Nisbet and Co.

We have neither time nor space to analyse this exceedingly able pamphlet. Suffice it to say, that it discourses of "Christian Union opposed by Protestant Traditions and Prejudices;" "Scriptural Principles of Christian Union," "The Preceding Principles in Harmony with the Standards of the Presbyterian Churches;" "The Preceding Principles in Relation to Recent and Passing Events;" A British Presbyterian Church;" "The Duty of the Civil Magistrate." Under these important heads we have an expanded, clear, copious, and very vigorous discussion. The pamphlet is seasonable, and whatever be the views of any reader as to union or disunion, amongst the great Presbyterian bodies, he will find his account in the careful consideration of the present production, which is temperate, able, and well-informed.

The Young Folks of Hazelbrook, Religious Tract Society.

THESE young folks form the subject of an interesting, amusing, and instructive little volume. The society described is that of the middle and lower class, and the tale is told with singular simplicity. It is quite a boy's book; but, unless the boys take heed, the young girls will be very likely, at times, to appropriate it to themselves. It makes capital reading.

Aonio Paleario: a Chapter in the History of the Italian Reformation. From the French of M. BONNET. Religious Tract Society.

THE appearance of this volume. is very opportune. While it will be read with interest in England, it will be specially welcome to the Christians of Italy. Although entitled "a chapter," it is, in reality, a volume of nearly 300 pages-a volume fraught with life, light, and truth, from beginning to end. The narrative starts with 1503, and terminates with 1570, a period which is broken up into seven luminous and well-informed chapters. The day was that of great men, great work, and great affliction, and amongst these men, a most honourable place is occupied by Paleario. The Tract Society have done an excellent service by adding it to their already large and precious historical library.

A Paraphrase of the Books of the Minor Prophets. By J. C. WHISH, M.A. Seeley, Jackson, and Halliday.

WE prize this little unpretending volume, which is well adapted as an introduction to the study of one of the most precious portions of the inspired page. The book may be read either apart, as a distinct and spirited publication, or in conjunction with the reading of the Prophets, to whom it will constitute, if not a key, at least a candle, frequently throwing light by a happy translation, or remark, on passages difficult to be understood. It is a domestic book, and deserves a place in the family library.

Christ is Ever with You. By the Rev.

OCTAVIUS WINSLOW, D.D. Shaw and Co. DR. WINSLOW has here become a servant of servants; he has furnished a book, small in compass, but great in value, seeing that it speaks to the heart of all classes and conditions of men. In every chapter doctrine is combined with experience, and the book overflows with touching illustra tions.

Christian Self-Culture: or, the Origin and

Developement of a Christian Life. By LEONARD BACON. Andrew Elliot. WE have much pleasure in introducing this little volume to our readers, especially the younger portion of them, whom it is peculiarly adapted to profit. Mr. Bacon sets out with the principle of our great poet, that "Christianity is the highest style of man." There is nothing beyond it; and be he king or peasant, who comes short of it, he is neither to be envied nor congratulated, but to be pitied and taught, that he may snatched as a brand from the burning. The volume is pervaded by a manly character. Its object, in truth, is to build that character up to the full stature, as set forth in the example of the great Lord of all. But the book constitutes very excellent reading, whether for old or young, and for persons of either sex. It is Christianity applied.

We have also chapters on "Praying Children 99 " Prayer on Missionary Ground, amongst Soldiers, and amongst Seamen." We have likewise a sketch of the Revivals in Ireland, in Scotland, in England, in France, and Germany. Such is the work, which forms very excellent reading.

Christ at Sychar.

By the Rev. NORMAN L. WALKER. Nisbet & Co. THE ingenious author of this work has taken occasion to turn the interesting conversation at Sychar to excellent account. In a dozen chapters he has contrived to present us with a large amount of excellent matter touching spiritual thirst, conviction, refuge, conversion; the Redeemer's joy and the Church's work, concluding with an impressive dis. quisition on "The Drunken City."

The Peep o' Day. Hundred and Eightyfirst Thousand. Hatchard and Co.

A VOLUME in the hundred and eighty-first thousand is lifted above the sphere of criticism. Unless mankind are born fools, it must have merit. Reasoning, however, is unnecessary; here are the facts. It comprises fifty-three sections or lessons, written with great simplicity and beauty, interspersed with sweet hymns, and illustrated in a manner which leaves behind everything of the kind that has yet been attempted. Our Juvenile literature

presents no such book. The usefulness of the work is materially promoted by the questions that are appended to it, which will enable the parent, the governess, or the sister, to use the book with intelligence and skill.

Sunbeam Stories. By the author of "A Trap to Catch a Sunbeam." Second Series. With Illustrations. Lockwood

& Co. THIS pretty volume has claims to consideration, The day we live in is emphatically a story-loving, a story-telling day, and here the subject of the stories is well chosen, and the tale is well told. The chapters are four, entitled, "The Cloud with the Silver Lining" Amy's Kitchen -"Coming Home" "The House on the Rock." There is nothing very taking in the titles of these sections, but the interest must not be estimated by that. The volume is well written, full of interest, very exciting and very instructive. It will be quite a favourite with young folks. It is a book for the ladies, and every young lady in the land would be the better for a copy of it. The illustrations, although not numerous, are fine, and the volume is altogether a piece of beauty.

The Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

By the Rev. W. ANDERSON. Elliot Stock Mr. ANDERSON has here performed a very excellent service. The subject is one which, it is supposed, would be understood by everybody. "The Church; " who does not understand the Church? We should rather

say, who does? for, certainly, amongst

Christians, the numbers that do so constitute the minority, and only a small one. To all such the book will be welcome as tending, perhaps, to correct, complete, and harmonise their general knowledge, and for the untutored mass of the faithful, we commend the volume as a manual. Rarely, indeed, has such an amount of matter been packed up in the space of a few sheets of letterpress. Several publications on the same subject, have appeared of recent years, but there is not one more clear, comprehensive, correct, scriptural, instructive, and satisfactory. It is a book of thought throughout; the words are comparatively few, the ideas. teem in every page. The book deserves a place in every family, and also in the school and the congregational library.

Jesus "Mighty to Save."

By the R v. A. B. GROSART, Kinross. Second Edition. Nisbet & Co.

THE present volume has for its subject the greatest theme of Scripture, and it is displayed with an ability which leaves very little to be desired. The interest and value of the work are considerably increased by the sketch of the life of the author, which although brief, is vivid and instructive. The appendix of notes and illustrations, too, deserve notice. It comprises an amount of choice matter worth the price of the volume, and, for the earnest student, it will supply many facts on points that will be particularly interesting to him.

Sermons on the Saints' Days. Preached in Clapham Parish Church by HENRY WHITEHEAD, M.A. Bosworth and Harrison.

We have no great faith in Saints' Days, and we are afraid that most of the saints had but little sanctity about them. We think it consisted very mainly of bodily service, and will worship. Here, however, we have forty sermons on the Saints Andrew, Thomas, Stephen, the Evangelists, the Holy Innocents, Paul, Mary, Matthias, Mark, Phillip, James, Barnabas, and others. The discourses are. very short, clear, and simple, comprising but little either to awaken, instruct, or edify, as compared with some of the greater preachers of the Established Church; yet still, for simple people, whether rich or poor, there is a good deal that may be read with benefit.

Edith and Ruth; or, Children's Influence.

By the Author of "I can do something for Jesus." W. MACINTOSH.

This is one of those pretty tales, or stories, which we would not withhold from children and very young people. It is much fitted to make them read, and the habit of reading books is an important means to an important end. The little volume comprises a large amount of capital stuff, and cannot fail to find favour amongst youngsters.

A Manual for Christian Schoolboys; containing short Counsels and Prayers for By the Rev. C. H. RAMSDEN, M.A., W. MACINTOSH.

WE very much like this pretty little book, which is a real treasure for pious and earnest schoolboys. The little essays are brief, clear, scriptural, and forcible, comprising excellent instruction. We have two pretty pages-for example-on study, two more on books, and so forth on a variety of points. We are glad to see that fiction is condemned beyond a very limited indulgence. We should have preferred an utter interdict, for to indulge a little is to indulge more, and thus to go on until youth are undone. Total abstinence is the only safe course. The

following is a sample of the counsel," Have some useful and religious book always in reading; "Improve spare half-hours;" "Do not read that which is light and trifling just before you are about to read the Bible." Here again we would say, do not read what is light and trifling after the Bible, that is, do not read it at all. Life is one, so is piety, so is prudence. We ought to read nothing before or after which indisposes to read the Bible.

The Family of God. Seven Sermons preached in St. Bartholomew's Church, Gray's-inn-road, London, in May and June, 1863. By the Rev. EDWARD GAR BET, M.A. Hamilton, Adams, and Co. THIS volume may be taken as a sample of the preaching of one of the ablest ministers of the day. Mr. Garbett occupies a high place among his brethren, and is entitled to a position far higher than he has yet attained. The book is a storehouse of wisdom touching home. The topics are thus indicated: "The Family Circle," ""The Children at School," "Home Pleasures," "Family Trials," "The Imperishable Bond," Temporary Separation, "Home." This shows the thoroughly domestic character of the work, and how well it is entitled "The Family of God." It is replete with the purest, noblest sentiments. A vein of evangelism runs through the whole. While beautifully written, it is pointed and impressive in no common degree, and glad should we be to see it passing from edition to edition till it had become an inmate in tens of thousands of families.

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Something about Jesus. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

THIS prattle-title tells us nothing touching the elements of the book. Suffice it to say, then, that it professes to set forth "The Words of Jesus compared in the Gospels; "Some of the Most Tender Words of Jesus; "The Dying Words of Jesus; " "The Blessedness of those who, through Jesus, Overcome;" concluding with a section entitled "Something about Heaven;" Such being the book, then, the proper title would have been "The Words of Jesus." The volume is a beautiful compend of the Scriptures, and the points specified elegantly printed, and well entitled to become a pocket companion.

A History of Baptism from the Inspired and Uninspired Writings. By ISAAC TAYLOR HINTON. Revised and Recommended by John Howard Hinton, M.A. With a Preface and an Appendix by F. W. GOTCH, LL.D. Heaton and Son. THE Conductors of this very important publication "The Bunyan Library," have given as Vol. XII., "Hinton's History of Baptism." So well and so powerfully has this