obtain his own ends. We need hardly revert to the disgracefully mendacious aspect of the whole ceremony of protocoling, by which, he manoeuvred successfully to fence off the Western Powers from taking active measures in the present war, until his own preparations were completed. All these things shew too plainly that the ingrained falsehood, corruption, and dishonesty of the Russian character finds its countenance and its climax in the head of the Russian people. Among politicians, perhaps, they may admit of one excuse, namely, that they are exercised by the Autocrat for the aggrandisement of his country; but no such plea, nor any plea, for fraud and injustice can be admitted."

Thus old Time that reveals everything, has lately been engaged in disclosing the character of the reigning Czar; a man singularly dark and mysterious, whose reality of character has been to a great extent, concealed by hypocritical folds of factitious virtue. The mystery with which he has managed to envelope himself and his affairs, combined with his fair but false professions, forcibly reminds one of Tiberius Cæsar, who, whether he spent his youth in the army, his manhood at Rome, or his old age in Campania, strove hard to preserve throughout each period, the secret of his real character. But as in the case of Roman, so in that of the Russian, it has been impossible wholly to shut out the light of truth; hence the occasional glare with which has been irradiated the mystery of his existence. After being clothed upon for more than a quarter of a century, with many a fold of false pretence, he is at length, pretty well understood. His history will be a subject for the moralist, when the writings of Tacitus are almost forgotten; and from it will be collected, some of the worst traits of the mysterious Roman, to inspire the execration of ages, against the oppressors of mankind!

THE PROSPECTS OF THE CHURCH OF ROME IN
ENGLAND.

A CORRESPONDENT in a recent number of the Evangelical Christendom gives a curious disclosure from the pen of a priest on the subject of Romish proselytism in England:

"An Abbé, M. Cognat, has recently published, in L' Ami de la Religion, a popish journal of Paris, an article entitled, "The Catholic [Roman] Church in England,' containing remarkable confessions together with the exposition of a new tactic, with which your readers ought to be acquainted, and meditate upon it. The Abbé Cognat confesses that the work of Roman proselytism proceeds badly on our side of the Straits. According to his acknowledgment, public opinion in England is more and more decided against the church of Rome. A persecution, not bloody, but admirably organized, is directed against Roman Catholics in Great Britain domestics of this community are not admitted into Protestant families; merchants of this community are abandoned, and sometimes rendered incapable of continuing their traffic; the State is become essentially Protestant: the great majority of the Parliament is hostile to [Roman] Catholics; the English church, which seemed, a few years ago, to be shaken to its foundations, is more alive than ever.

"In the present session,' says M. Cognat, men enjoying the greatest authority in the Parliament and the nation, and even the Ministers of the Crown, who were formerly known for their zeal in defending the [Roman] Catholics, do not hesitate now to declare, that the prosperity of the [Roman] Catholic church is incompatible with the constitution and the liberties of the English people.' To be brief, this Abbé acknowledges that

at the present day Popery is in great discredit in England; and that, far from making in this country the progress which it hoped, it is threatened with a dreadful downfall.

6

"Then, he naturally asks this question:- From whence proceeds such a remarkable change in the public opinion of the English?' The cause is not, according to him, to be found in the re-establishment of the Romish hierarchy. Believe rather,' adds he, that the true cause of this deplorable reaction is YOUR IMPRUDENCE, acting on the misguided, but religious and national spirit of the English. Such are those exalted discourses, inspired by sincere zeal; but which, perhaps, scarcely accord with the knowledge of God. Such are those solemn and public acts, which in a [Roman] Catholic nation would be duly appreciated; but which are in danger of being badly interpreted by a Protestant people, deeply attached to their errors. Omnia licent, non omnia expediunt (All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient),' 1 Cor. x. 23.

"This means, in simpler language-Priests and monks established in England, you do not possess enough of craft and dissimulation. You have too soon shown that you detest liberty of thought, liberty of worship, liberty of teaching, liberty of the press, and liberty of association. You have too frankly exposed your ultimate hopes of monopoly and despotism. You have, in your recital of false miracles, in your ceremonies renewed from the middle ages, in the tyrannical acts exercised by the superiors of your convents, in the insurrections of the populace organized by the Irish clergy [priests], disgusted and revolted the English people, even the most moderate men, even your protectors and friends. Then, take care! Be more prudent! Put on a mask! Cover yourselves with the mantle of mental reservation! At a future period, when the victory shall be gained, you may appear what you are, and display your true colours!'

"This is very good; but the Abbé Cognat attributes more simplicity and naïveté to the Protestants than they really have. The tactics of Jesuitism will not succeed with them. They know, by their own history, and by that of other modern people, that Popery can clothe itself in every contradictory appearance, can place on its figure every mask, act every part, without excepting that of democracy; whilst, nevertheless, it is at the bottom ever the same-absolutist, intolerant, and cruel."

F

THE CHILD OF MANY PRAYERS.

was the son of a devoted New England minister, and the child of many prayers. His mind was carefully stored with religious knowledge, and disciplined in the best schools of his native city. Evil companionships and a vicious habit of novel reading, however, early led him astray from the paths of virtue, and from parental influence and restraint.

At length his restless and adventurous spirit sought a sphere of unchecked indulgence, and he went to the Pacific coast. There he found his associates among the thoughtless sons of fortune, and gave himself up to the life of a homeless adventurer. Prosperity and adversity served alike to harden his heart. Early convictions were stifled. The house of God neglected.

Be

But there were bands in his wickedness stronger than those of Satan. The anxious and aching hearts of his parents were turned to God. lieving prayer ascended unceasingly in his behalf. His father, especially, cherished the unwavering conviction that his wayward son, after running the prodigal's career of vice and folly, would yet trace the prodigal's steps

of penitence and salvation. Year after year he clung to the Divine promises, and pleaded them earnestly at the mercy-seat.

A short time since, the hearts of parents and friends were gladdened by the intelligence that the lost one was found,-that the prodigal had returned. He had visited a remote South American port, and on his return voyage he was the only cabin passenger. The captain had depended on him to furnish a supply of cards, novels, and other sources of time-killing, soul-destroying amusements; and he, in turn, knowing the disposition of the captain, had looked to him for an adequate supply. The few means of diversion were soon exhausted, and after being ten days at sea, the young man found nothing to do but think. His past life came up in review before him, and conscience revived. Early teachings whispered around him. An injured father's persevering faith, and a weeping mother's counsels haunted his solitary berth. The emptiness of worldly pleasures, and the vanity of earthly plans, led him to reflect on the surer joys and riches of the Christian. He turned to the word of God, and read his condemnation. His guilt rose mountain-high, as the Holy Spirit unfolded the immaculate law. He fell upon his knees, and cried for pardon.

By one of those providences which call forth the adoration of the devout, there were in the cabin of this ship copies of "Nelson's Cause and Cure of Infidelity,' " "Baxter's Call to the Unconverted," "James's Anxious Inquirer," and "Abbott's Young Christian"; the first to dispel his sceptical doubts, the second to fasten the arrow of conviction in his heart, the third to instruct his inquiring soul, and the last to present encouragements and allurements to the Christian life. He read them all, prayerfully. Before the vessel arrived at San Francisco, the great question was settled, it is hoped, for ever. He made his way immediately to the sanctuary, engaged in Sabbath-school instruction, sought the company of ministers and godly men,-abandoning his former companions in sin, or visiting them only to labour for their salvation; and his letters to his parents breathed the spirit of penitence and consecration, coupled with the most touching expressions of gratitude and affection.

Christian parents, and especially those whose sons are far away from home and from God, will find encouragement to their faith in this narrative. There are few cases apparently more hopeless of reformation and conversion than the one before us. Pride kept him from coming home; an evil conscience restrained him from places and companionships likely to benefit him only a vigorous faith could anticipate the possibility of a change. Yet grace triumphed; everlasting promises have their fulfilment; the prodigal returns.

What an illustration of the power of prayer! God alone knows how earnestly and constantly that father wrestled for that wayward boy: and how patiently and calmly he expected, nay, relied on his conversion. And in proportion to the darkness of external signs, was the fervency of his petitions. In God's time, always the best time, the answer descends in that lone cabin on the broad Pacific. The providence of God arranges the circumstances and the means which the Holy Spirit blesses in bringing to himself the New England prodigal.

ADDRESS TO THE YOUNG.

THERE are many considerations which ought to induce you, as young persons, to make a prompt and early dedication of yourselves to God. The time of youth is the most important and interesting period of our

existence. In whatever point of view we regard human life, youth always appears to be the most interesting part of it. If we regard human life as a journey from this world to the next, then youth is the period when preparation ought to be made for this journey. If we consider human life as a year, then youth is the seed-time of that year, in which we ought to sow plentifully, in order that we may reap an abundant harvest. If you look at human life as a day, then youth is the morning of that day, in which you ought to "work the works of Him that sent you, ere the night cometh, when no man can work."

Youth is a period, favourable to any important undertaking. There is a freshness and a vigour; there is a frankness and a generosity; a vivacity and a sweetness of temper and spirit characterizing our youth, which does not characterize our declining years. The active limb, the retentive memory, the bland spirit, the glowing affections, the ardent zeal, and the noble generous daring of youth, are all favourable to a life of piety, and of devotedness to the service of God.

The character of youth is formative. Like the clay in the hands of the potter, it is capable of receiving any form or image you may wish to put upon it. Or like liquid metal from the furnace, you may cast it into any mould, and impress upon it any fashion. It is in the time of youth that habits are formed, and friendships contracted, and principles imbibed, which afterwards become rooted and fixed. Like the sturdy oak, which while it was young and tender, might have been bent in any given direction by the power of man's hand; but now that it has struck its roots and fibres deep in the earth, is immovable, and defies his utmost strength; and will only yield to the repeated strokes of the axe.

The period of youth is most critical. It is now that you will receive impressions, and form habits, the influence of which will be felt by you in every step of your future progress through life, and which in their results will be felt by you in the depths of an unknown Eternity. Felt! Yes, felt, either amidst the eternal symphonies of the redeemed, or amidst the everlasting wailings of the damned! O my young friends, ponder the path of your feet! Pause and ask yourselves the solemn question-" What is my character? What am I doing? Whither is my being tending? And where will it close? When my body dies, what will become of my deathless and unquenchable spirit?

"Will angel hands convey

Their brother to the bar,
Or devils drag my soul away
To meet its sentence there,"

"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away." "Wisdom is the principle thing, therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee; she shall bring thee to honour when thou dost embrace her; she shall give to thine head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee."

The time of youth is most opportune. Because, in the first place, your difficulties in the way of religion are fewer now, than they will be at any future period of your existence. Evil habits have not yet become inveterate, and worldly friendships have not yet become indissoluble. A long life of sin, of dissipation, and of open rebellion against God, has not yet steeled your heart, and rendered you impervious and unimpressible. Nor have you such a weight of guilt upon your conscience as those who have been placed in less favourable circumstances. You have not so much to abandon and give up; not so much to repent of, as many that are further

advanced in years. All this is in your favour, and renders your return to God more hopeful.

Again, not only are your discouragements fewer, but your encouragements are greater now than they will be at any future period of your life. You are now in the enjoyment of health of body, and vigour of mind. You have the full use and exercise of all your physical and mental powers. Your memory is strong, your feelings tender, and your affections warm and lively. You are young; and to you many of the precious promises of the Word of God are addressed. "Them that honour me, I will honour." "If any man serve me, him will my Father honour." You are young; and to you the Scriptures present many examples of early piety, as patterns for you to look atas models for you to copy after and imitate. Think of Moses and David, of Daniel, Samuel, and good Obadiah, who said, "I, thy servant, serve the Lord from my youth." Think of John and Timothy also, who, from a child, had known the Holy Scriptures, "which are able to make you wise unto salvation, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." And shall we remind you also of Baxter and of Horne, of Wesley and of Whitfield, of Fletcher and of Hall, and of a whole host of others, who dedicated themselves to the service of God in the period of their youth, and of whom it might be emphatically said, that they were "burning and shining lights." If, then, you would avoid the evils which will beset you in your path through life-evils which only tempt to ensnare, and which ensnare to destroy. If you would follow in the steps, and imitate the example, of those noble men-those heroes and champions in the cause of civil and religious liberty-"men who hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus,"-O, if you would imbibe the spirit, and emulate the zeal, of those departed worthies, then "yield yourselves unto God, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." Be pious. Have fixed principles. Record your determination. "As for me, I will serve the Lord."" "For me to live is Christ." “I determine to know nothing among men, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." Let Him be your "all, and in all."

And come to the decision now. Say not that you will attend to these things to-morrow, or at some future and more convenient season. The present only is yours, the future has not yet come, and cannot be depended upon. "Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” J. M. SAUL.

BIOGRAPHY.

MISS ANNIE MOFFETT, OF SOUTH SHIELDS.

ANNIE MOFFETT was born at South Shields, December 15th, 1829. She was kind and affectionate in her disposition. When about twelve years of age she became a scholar in the Sunday-school, to which she was much attached, and was very regular in her attendance. From early life she manifested a serious turn of mind, and was very obedient and affectionate to her parents. When she was about sixteen years of age she was brought to feel her need of a personal interest in Christ. Her brother in-law, the Rev. S. S. Barton, says, "I well recollect her state of mind while under conviction; she seemed to have a vivid apprehension of her condition as a sinner, but, either from want of correct views as to the plan of salvation, or from excessive timidity, she was the subject of strong doubts, and was a long time before she could cry, 'Abba, Father. All our reasoning and prayer for a time seemed in vain. She was baffled at every point, and the