be pronounced the great favourite with all classes of the public. Among the innumerable and invaluable services of the Tract Society, a special place is due to these cheap, beautiful, and valuable appurtenances to commerce. First Lessons on the English Reformation. By B. B. WOODWARD, B.A., F.S.A. Ward and Co. THE idea of this Manual was excellent, and its extensive use in families would be attended with the happiest results. It may be designated a Primer of Protestantism. Having questions appended to it, it is excellently adapted to the use of schools. Pre-millenial Thoughts. By R. INGHAM. Houlston and Wright. THIS small tractate comprises more matter than many a five shilling volume. We have six essays, or dissertations, on The Weekly Observance of the Lord's SupperWeekly Contributions for the Support of the Gospel-A Plurality of Elders The Conduct of Singing in Worship-Chanting-and The Support of the Gospel by Christians apart from an Ungodly World. Sketches in Nassau, Baden, and Switzerland. By JOHN CURWEN. Ward and Co. MR. CURWEN is so well known, and so highly esteemed as a reformer and instructor in the science of music, that anything proceeding from his pen is sure to be received with favour. The present pretty volume comprises a series of letters, richly fraught with interesting information, in the course of which it may be supposed that the ruling passion of the amiable writer is everywhere apparent. The book will be read with great interest. The Sacred Plains. By J. H. HEADLEY. Blackwood. WE have had the Sacred Rivers, the Sacred Mountains, and many other things sacred; but we never remember before meeting with anything on the Sacred Plains. The in genious writer has fixed on twelve of these, each of which he has illuminated in a very instructive, edifying, and satisfactory alone sufficient to command popularity Never was genius more genial, intellect more fanciful, or vigour more versatile. Professor Wilson is certainly one of the brightest Stars in the Northern Constellation. Would that he had possessed piety! British Land Birds. Religious Tract Society. THIS beautiful volume opens with an introductory chapter, the careful perusal of which will enable the reader to proceed to the volume with increased benefit and satisfacfaction. This is a book for everybody-the prince, the peer, the squire, the farmer, the peasant, and the ploughboy. The bird, adding so materially to the beauty of the earth, is an object with which man is so familiar, that he is apt to overlook it; whereas it is fitted, at every moment, to excite towards the Creator gratitude, love, and praise. A land without birds would be a dull and a dismal region! The Gospel Narrative; or, The Life of our Lord Jesus Christ, as given by the Four Evangelists. By JAMES PEDDIE, Esq. EdinLondon : burgh: Oliphant and Sons. Hamilton, Adams, and Co. LITTLE need be said of this beautiful volume beyond the fact, that it is divided into sections, according to the order of time, and arranged in one combined and continuous history. We have had already a multitude of smaller, as well as larger publications, but this is the most complete and satisfactory that has ever met our eye. The book, to be properly appreciated, must be examined in connection with the explanatory statement prefixed. Musings of a Pilgrim at Jacob's Well. Nisbet and Co. THIS is throughout a book of contemplation on the highest themes, and in the most evangelical spirit. It indicates a mind both cultivated and sanctified, and taught of God in the things which belong to peace of con science. India; its Crimes and Claims. By the Rev. C. STOVEL. Second Edition, revised. Jackson and Walford. FEW men are more competent than the Rev. Charles Stovel to deal with a great subject. In the present case, he has found a theme worthy of his exalted talents; but it is clear that he has felt himself constrained by the narrow limits necessarily imposed by a sermon. The tractate, however, comprises much fact, much thought, and is pervaded throughout by evangelical, humane, and patriotic principles. Way-side Books. Packet B. Religious Tract Society. WE have here a packet of sixteen Tracts, to which we attach more real importance thar to all the Romance that has been issued for seven years by-gone. The matter, whether viewed in the light of doctrine, fact, or inci dent, is exquisite, and the getting up is exceedingly elegant. The Commentary Wholly Biblical. Part XIII. Bagster and Sons. WE have here Part Thirteen of this invalu able undertaking, which, when finished, will Earnest Christianity Illustrated. By JOHN THEY who desire to form somewhat ap- Our Home Islands: their Natural Features. THE present is a Volume of a very com- Chapeltown; or, The Fellow-students. By an ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL MINISTER. Ward and Co. WERE we disposed, we should find it easy to cut this Book in pieces; and, did the interests of religion demand it, we should certainly do so; but this were to estimate it too highly. We expect no good from it, nor do we anticipate much evil; and we shall, therefore, allow it to pass to its sentence at the bar of the public. John Hampton's Home; what it was, and THIS is a remarkable performance, got up Sebastopol, and other Poems. By E. DERBY. Hall, Virtue, and Co. THE Crimean War, having long and in- The Edenic Dispensation. By JAMES MEIKLE, As the production of much reflection and Geology and Genesis: A Reconciliation of the THIS is a book of rare ability by a gentle- The Exiles of Italy. By C. G. H. Constable and Co.; Hamilton and Co. WE have here another of those sorrowful narratives of human suffering, under the dire influence of the Popedom. Notwithstanding the romantic air which the volume bears, it is pervaded by a vast amount of horrible and heart-rending fact. Lessons by the Way; or, Things to Think On. THE DOOM OF THE WORLD. What this change is to be, we dare not even conjecture; but we see in the heavens themselves some traces of destructive elements, and some indications of their power. The fragments of broken planets, the descent of meteoric stones upon our globe, the wheeling comets, welding their loose materials at the solar furnace, the volcanic eruptions in our own satellite, the appearance of new stars, and the disappearance of others, are all foreshadows of that impending convulsion to which the system of the world is doomed. Thus placed on a planet which is to be burned up, and under heavens which are to pass away; thus reading, as it were, on the cemeteries, and dwelling upon the mausoleums of former worlds, let us learn the lesson of humility and wisdom, if we have not already been taught in the school of revelation.-North British Review. HOSPITALITY IN THE HOUSE OF GOD. Every church that would prosper must show attention to strangers. It should be seen to that they are promptly and courteously provided with seats, and made to feel that they are welcome there. Kind looks should greet them as they come, and follow them as they go. Should they come again, let them meet with the same reception. And should they become constant worshippers there, let them be sought out and visited, not merely by the pastor, but by members of the church and society. Whether rich or poor, they should not be overlooked or neglected. They have claims as strangers, irrespective of all outward distinction. Let us see that they have prompt attention. Religious Intelligence. CONGREGATIONAL WORCESTER.-The Rev. Dr. W. F. Hurndall, was recently ordained pastor of the church and congregation assembling at Angel-street, Worcester. On the Monday evening there was a preparatory devotional service. On Tuesday morning, after the service had been commenced by singing, Dr. Redford ascended the pulpit, and, in touching terms, took leave of his beloved people, and commended his successor to their affection, invoking all blessings on his labours. The Rev. H. Allon, of Islington, then delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. D. K. Shoebotham, of Dudley, proposed the usual questions, to which Dr. Hurndall gave clear, comprehensive, and highly satisfactory answers; the Rev. W. F. Hurndall, his venerable father, offered the ordination prayer; and the Rev. J. A. James addressed to Dr. Hurndall a fervent and affectionate charge. In the afternoon a cold collation was served in the Natural History Society's rooms, at which some 250 ladies and gentlemen sat down. R. Padmore, Esq., presided, and some extremely interesting addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. A. James, Dr. Redford, Rev. D. K. Shoebotham, and Dr. Hurndall. In the evening, the Rev. G. Smith, of Poplar, preached to a very numerous congregation. DERBY.-London-road Chapel has recently been enlarged by the erection of side galleries. Owing to the increase of the congregation under its present minister, the Rev. H. Ollard, the provision of greater accommodation has been for some time necessary. This work is now accomplished, and the edifice was re-opened for divine service by the Rev. E. Cecil, of Nottingham. On a following Wednesday evening a sermon was preached to a crowded audience, by the Rev. J. A. James. The introductory parts of the service having been conducted by the Rev. H. Ollard, Mr. James expressed the sincere gratification which he felt on this occasion. He had known the history of this church and congregation for some years, and he rejoiced in the signs of prosperity which he now discerned. He trusted that the past usefulness of their minister would be the preliminary of more abundant success. Mr. James then touchingly alluded to the memory of the late Rev. J. Gawthorn, and spoke in high terms of his "long and useful career, his sincere piety, his unstained reputation, and the general esteem in which he was held by his townsmen." He also mentioned with great kindness and respect the name of another departed minister, "long one of the chief ornaments of his denomination, the Rev. J. G. Pike." The reverend gentleman then preached a powerful and deeply interesting sermon from Mark viii. 36. ILMINSTER, SOMERSET.-On Thursday, November 12th, an interesting meeting was held, to recognise the Rev. F. J. Perry, late of Ashton Keynes, Wilts, as pastor of the church and congregation assembling at the Independent Chapel in this town. About RECORD. 160 persons took tea in the Assembly-room of the George Hotel; after which a public meeting was held, S. D. Hine, Esq., one of the deacons, presiding. Rev. Mr. Chapple (Baptist) of Isle Abbots, read Psalm cxxii., and prayed. The chairman and Mr. Minson (a member of the church) introduced the new minister, who briefly stated the way in which Providence had led him to accept the unanimous call of the church and congregation. The Rev. J. S. Underwood, of Taunton, addressed the minister with affectionate earnestness; the Rev. W. Densham, of Chard, spoke with power and excellence to the church and congregation; the Rev. J. Ross, of Broadway, delivered a practical address to the church in its relation to the world; and the Rev. Mr. Chapple followed by speaking impressively to the undecided. Mr. Morgan, of Chard, then spoke of the church's duty in connection with the Sabbath-school. The evening meeting was crowded, and seemed to afford unmixed satisfaction. BEDFORD, YORKSHIRE.-The Independent Chapel in this village having been closed for a few months, in order to re-roof it, build a gallery, and make other alterations and repairs, was re-opened on Friday, November 13th. A sermon was preached in the afternoon by the Rev. James Sibree, of Hull, after which a number of friends partook of tea. A public meeting was held in the chapel in the evening, when the Rev. J. Hutchin, the pastor, took the chair. Instructive and impressive addresses were delivered by the Rev. Thomas Poole, of Hornsea, the Rev. J. Dickinson, of Bridlington, the Rev. J. Sibree, and Mr. J. Hussard. On the following Sunday, Nov. 15th, the Rev. J. Dickinson preached three sermons. EDINBURGH.-The foundation - stone of the new Congregational Chapel, for Dr. Alexander's congregation, at George IV. Bridge, has been recently laid. The act was performed without ceremony of any kind. The plans for the chapel have been designed by Messrs. Hay, of Liverpool, in the Byzantine style, with tower and steeple rising to about 120 feet above the level of the bridge. The total cost of the edifice will, it is said, be 9,000l. or 10,000l. SUNDERLAND.-The sixth anniversary of the opening of the Ebenezer Congregational Church, Fawcett-street, Sunderland, has been lately celebrated. Most of the speeches alluded to the success which had attended the ministry of the Rev. G. C. Maitland, especially during the last twelve months of his labours, and to the gratifying fact that the church under his care was never in a more healthy, vigorous, prosperous condition, than it is at this present time. RUGELEY.-The Rev. J. Baker, of Chorley, Lancashire, has accepted a cordial and unanimous call to the Independent Church at Rugeley, Staffordshire, and commenced his ministry there on the second Sabbath of December. Mr. Baker leaves his old place with the esteem and affection of his people undiminished, and amidst the regrets and sympathies of Christian people of all denominations. BATTLE-BRIDGE, PENTONVILLE. - The Rev. T. Seavill, after labouring in Somers' Town, and this place, upwards of nine years, has been compelled through failure of health, to resign the pastorate of the church and retire from the locality. TYLDESLEY.-The Rev. J. J. Eastmead, late of Bristol, has accepted a unanimous and pressing invitation from the church and congregation worshipping in the chapel of the Countess of Huntingdon's connection here, and will commence his labours as pastor on the first Sabbath in January. OAKHILL, BATH.-The Rev. H. Shrimpton, of New College, St. John's wood, has received and accepted a unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the Congregational Church, Oakhill; and purposes entering upon his ministerial labours on the first Sunday in January. ISLINGTON.-The Rev. Charles Brake, of Buckingham Chapel, Pimlico, has accepted an invitation from the church and congregation assembling in Lower-street Chapel, to become their pastor; and has entered upon his labours with prospects of much usefulness. CHESHUNT, HERTS.-A new chapel has recently been opened in this place. The Rev. John Stoughton preached in the morning, and the Rev. Dr. Spence in the evening. Between the services the Rev. Thomas Hill, minister of the place, dined with his friends in the hall of Cheshunt Institution. After dinner, Mr. Eusebius Smith, who presided, encouraged the friends to hope, that, if they liquidated the whole cost of the building within a short time, the Chapel Building Society, which had already given them 100%., would contribute another 1007. GENERAL RECORD. CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTION SOCIETY CONFERENCE.-On Tuesday evening, 18th ult., a conference of the members and friends of the Christian Instruction Society was held in the Congregational Library; Samuel Morley, Esq., in the chair. The object of the meeting was to receive a report from the Rev. J. H. Wilson, of Aberdeen, of the result of his visit to the churches in London, with a view to the consideration of such measures as might tend to the revival of the Christian Instruction Society. Mr. Wilson read a report, of which the following is an extract :"During the past eight weeks we have addressed 50 meetings, and preached 20 sermons; occupying 30 pulpits, and speaking to about 70,000 persons. The single object we had in view was, to impress the membership of our churches with the conviction that Christianity is an aggressive system of truth, and that every Christian man and every Christian woman is responsible for the moral condition of the masses around them, according to the measure of their ability and opportunity to do good. . . . But, apart from what our Christian churches are doing, or can do, so as to fill their own pews from the world around them, let us now look at a few facts connected with the spiritual destitution of London. In Scotland, with a population of two millions and a half, there are 2,500 churches and chapels in which the Gospel is preached. In London, with the same amount of population, there are only 700 churches and chapels where the simple doctrines of evangelical truth are proclaimed. The churches and chapels of Scotland are planted over a field nearly equal to half the area of England; the churches and chapels of London are planted in a circle with a radius of four miles. If, then, in Scotland, we have still to deplore iniquity as abounding, especially in our large towns; in London, we must conclude that it much more abounds, and especially in our Spitalfields and St. Giles's, where we have the concentrated essence of immorality and crime. As a specimen of the spiritual destitution of oue district in the Borough, take these statistics, prepared from official documents, by a gentleman intimately connected with that neighbourhood-The parish of St. Mary's, Newington, contains a population of 65,000, and has accommodation in churches for only 15,000. In the adjoining parishes of Lambeth and Camberwell, there is a population of 190,000, and only provision made for 51,000 persons in the churches and chapels of every denomination. In conclusion, our impressions, as a stranger, of the Christian character of the Evangelical churches of London, may be stated by way of analogy. Passing along one of your principal tho roughfares at night, we observed clocks or timepieces in most of the shops, and we thought of them thus:-1. They were all under one motive power. So are our Christian churches. 2. The clocks were all constructed for the same end-to measure time. So with the churches of Christ. They exhibit in Christianity the measurement of Christian character. 3. The clocks presented great variety of face, but, when classified, showed but comparatively few divisions. So with our denominational distinctions-they appear more numerous than they really are, and, when resolved into practical divisions, are more remarkable for the harmony of their sectional measurement of Christian duty than for their discordance of sectarian strife. 4. The clocks were all timed by Greenwich; their true time is kept, and the register is for the benefit of the world. Christian churches take time from the Bible. There the true standard is to be found, and the Bible is for man. 5. The true time of Greenwich is taken from the sun. The Bible is true, because it is timed by the Sun of Righteousness, the great centre of attraction, and the source of light and power. 6. All the clocks had to be wound up and kept clean; and so must it be with our churches. Many of these clocks were going too slow, and very few of them too fast; be it ours to learn from this the duty of watchfulness over our doctrines, our discipline, our zeal, and to pray that God may keep us well supplied with the oil of grace, that even the world may take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus.'"' (Exeter), with the exception of the Wesleyans, have taken the large room at the Royal Public Rooms, for the purpose of preaching to the working classes and others, every Sunday afternoon, until further notice. The ministers will preach alternately, and the discourses will be simple and popular. A sufficient sum has been contributed to defray expenses for the next six months, and it is earnestly hoped that this united effort to promote the welfare of the masses will be crowned with that success which the supporters of the movement ardently desire. THE LAY-PREACHING MOVEMENT IN SCOTLAND. We have from time to time referred to the remarkable movement among the upper classes in Scotland. The Stirling Observer has an article in reference to Mr. Gordon Forlong, who has just visited that town:-"He preached first in the Baptist Chapel, which was well filled; his second service was in the Congregational Chapel, which was quite filled; his third was in the Free South Church; and his last address was delivered in St. John Street United Presbyterian Church. An Episcopalian, as is Mr. Forlong, he has no chance of being permitted to preach in churches belonging to his own denomination without "taking orders," which would spoil his mission as a layman; but there is no such obstacle in the way of his preaching in other churches. It is, however, satisfactory to observe that, on the present occasion, he has spread his evangelizing efforts over as many as four denominations. Mr. Forlong's preaching is characterised by vigorousness, freshness, directness, and originality. He must be seen and heard before one can have an idea of his fervent manner, his powerful utterance, and his forcible style." SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH.-It may be recollected that Government some time ago withdrew the Regium Donum of £1,200 biennially granted to the Scottish Episcopal Church, which sum, amounting to £600 per annum, was almost equally divided in supplement of the incomes of the bishops, and in stipend aid to the poorer clergy. To compensate for the loss thereby sustained, a very liberal subscription has been entered into by the wealthier members of that church, and subscriptions to the amount of £14,000 or £15,000 have been advertised, in addition to nearly £1,000 for procuring residences for the bishops. The subscribers to this capital sum have the option of immediate or periodical payment within five years. Among the larger contributors are Sir John Maxwell, £2,000; the Duke of Buccleuch, £1,000; the Marquis of Lothian, £500; Lord Rollo, £500; Lady Montague, £500; Sir Archibald Edmondstone, £500; Mr. Oswald, of Auchincruive, £500; Mr. W. G. Don, £500; Sir William Forbes, £300; Mr. Stuart Nicholson, of Carnock, £300; the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, £200; Lady Preston Hay, Richmond, £200, &c. MISSIONS AND BISHOPS FOR INDIA.-A meeting was held at Willis's Rooms, to promote the extension and enlargement of the missions of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in India. The Archbishop of Canterbury took the chair. It was resolved to carry out the following measures: 1. To double (at least) the number of the Society's European missionaries in India, and to promote by every available means the education, training, and ordination of the more advanced native converts for the work of the Christian ministry among their own country men. 2. To found new and strengthen existing missions in the Presidential and other principal cities of India, wherever there may appear to be the best opening, with a view to bring the truths of Christianity before the minds of the upper as well as of the lower classes in those great centres of population. 3. To press again upon the attention of the Indian Government the urgent necessity of a subdivision of the enormous dioceses of Calcutta and Madras, and especially to insist upon the desirableness of establishing a bishopric for the Punjaub, another for the north-western provinces, and a third for the province of Tinnevelly. DEVELOPMENT OF PUSEYISM.-The Papists' Weekly Register says:-" We are happy to announce the reception into the Catholic Church of the Rev. Jas. Marshall, M.A., of Exeter College, Oxford, and curate of St. Bartholomew's, Moor-lane."- We have since learned from the Union, that the anniversary of the opening of the Iron church, in Calvertstreet, Wapping, was kept by a festival at the parish church of St. George's-in-the-East. At eight a.m. the "holy sacrifice" was offered. The celebration of the holy communion took place at eleven. Among those present were the Hon. and Rev. R. Liddell, of St. Paul's, Knightsbridge; the Rev. J. Bennet, the Rev. W. Upton Richards, and the Revs. G. C. White and A. Poole, of St. Barnabas. The altar was properly vested," and adorned with cross, flower vases, and lights. Round the sanctuary rich damask hangings of crimson were placed with a dorsel of green silk. The sanctuary was decorated with scrolls, evergreens, and flowers, and two vases were placed upon the foot-pace at each end of the altar. The choristers and lay-clerks vested in the north-west sacristy, and the clergy in the one on the other side of the principa. entrance. Soon after eleven a procession was formed, which chanted the Exsurgat Deus to a Gregorian tone. The following is given as the order of the procession:-Banner, banner. Two masters of the choir; choir boys, two and two; lay clerks; verger; deacons, two and two; priests, two and two; the preacher ; two assistant priests; gospeller-epistoler the celebrant. The holy communion was choral throughout, with the exception of the offertory sentences, the organ playing during communion. After the creed, the Rev. W. Bennet, vicar of Frome Selwood, preached a sermon. The offertory amounted to 2017. Such are the mummeries at this hour prevailing in the Protestant Church of England! CHURCH-RATES.-Kempsey is a Worcestershire village, where the Church has it all its own way. Nevertheless, a single Dissenting lady, and she a widow, has had the courage to oppose the church-rate, and has been the means of proving its utter illegality. Resisting payment, she was summoned before |