ment, now, only of the lying vanity of that is founded more especially on that word people! 2. Again, astonishing results-though, from their nature, grounded only on fainter analogies, and on observations far less demonstrably certain than in astronomy-have been come to, as to the inner structure of our globe; and deductions have been hastily drawn and asserted from facts, (often as unwisely contradicted,) indicating a period and a history to our globe apparently inconsistent with those given in the opening of Genesis. 66 * 66 of Scripture, "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen, were not made of things that do appear,"-more literally, (as to the meaning) "By faith we understand, that the dispensations,” their periods, their objects, their close, were appointed," as upheld, and to be judged "by the Word of God," onw hom, or which all creation hangs. "Does the Book, then, which declares this, reveal also the otherwise unknown, fathomless, 3. Yet, again, more recently still, it is Name of God-as thy portion, thine, each, familiar to our minds from numerous O man? Does it yield nourishment for the popular treatises, and is yet ringing in otherwise unnourished Divine life of man? our ears from some eager public discus- Has it yielded such to thy own soul? sions, that most startling difficulties, Then hast thou within thee something, tending to the soul-withering doctrines of though of a different kind, as certain as any materialism, have arisen from what is proposition of pure numbers-something known by the name of the "nebular hy- as indestructible-as inseparable from pothesis," telling us how, out of masses thee as thy own being; then be sure God's and concentric circles of luminous white Word will come as clean and clear out of matter, like "the milky way," in the all present and future, as out of all past heavens, by certain inferred laws, and in difficulties. Here, too, (I use still and supposed long periods, worlds may have onward the words of another,) that word been gradually consolidated-formed— is good, He that believeth, shall not nay, even by more forced analogies still, make haste;' he will be content to wait. passing unwarrantably from the insen- For what weakness does it manifest, what tient to the sentient, that organized beings inner mistrust of the things we have may have been developed (not created, ob- believed;' how feebly must we hold them serve, but developed; for that is the all--how little can they have blest us, when explaining phrase in the new philosophy, we raise a cry of fear at any new or startas in the new theology) to inhabit them!ling results, which science may have But this "nebular theory," as might, indeed, have been anticipated, has been already dispelled before further and more accurate observations by more powerful instruments, (I allude to Lord Rosse's telescope,) resolving these luminous masses also (overwhelming thought) into clusters of additional stars, or worlds, moving all according to fixed laws in our stupendous system! Now, without going here into geological facts, with which, in their detail, I am not familiar, I much prefer placing on your minds another answer; because a way of meeting not only these two last stated difficulties, but all, indeed, of the kind, that can ever possibly arise. It is founded on a principle in the mind of man, as constituted of God, without which man would not be man-the being he is. It come to, or only seem to have come to. These, too, will be presently shewn what they are, if true, will fall into their own place, a place of subjection to revealed truth-if false, however noisy now, however threatening to carry the world before them, will vanish away in a little while. But to dread anything—to wish that any discovery that has been patiently sought, or honestly won, should be ignored, or kept back, betrays an extreme weakness and unwisdom. Christ has not laid His hand on us with power, or we should not be so easily persuaded to believe His cause tottering, or His truth endangered. And, indeed, to conclude, the past may well give us confidence. One and another adversary has risen up; for what has the world not beheld of this kind! 'Essays • Trench. on the Miracles,' (to subvert them-to shew them impossible,) by our own Hume-Ages of Reason,' (to set aside revelation,) by England's filthy Paine-'Lives of Jesus,' (to degrade and disown Him,) by Germany's insidious Strauss-'Vestiges of Creation,' (to virtually exclude a Creator ;) and, again, our own ambitious, but poorly-furnished ———. And then, in the first flush of a momentary success, oftentimes the cry has gone forth, It is finished! And the fortress of faith is held to be so fatally breached, as to be henceforth untenable, and its defenders to have nothing more to do, but lay down their arms, and surrender at discretion. And already those that dwell upon the earth,' (caring for no heaven,) begin to make merry over the slain witnesses,' and already the new Diocletians (the name of an ancient infidel Emperor) rear their trophies and stamp their medals, the memorials of an extinguished faith-they themselves being about to perish for ever, and that faith to go forward to new and greater victories. For, anon, the floods retreat, and temple and tower of God, round whose bases these impotent waters raged, foamed, and fretted, for an instant, stand calmly and strongly as ever! Aye, the unstable are perplexed, and the wayerers fall off; and seeds of doubt, to be reaped in a harvest of weakness, are sown in many minds. But let us, then, have a sanctuary to flee to, till each such tyranny is overpast, as overpast it surely and shortly will. Let us have but the immediate syllogism of 'the heart right with God,' against which no argument is good. Let us be able to say, This voice of God I have found to give forth words of healing-words of eternal life; this kingdom of God, which can never be moved,' is already within me. This, believe me, is our sole security always-to have tasted the good Word' to have known the powers of a world to come.' And then, what if we may not, on the instant, be able to solve every difficulty, yet faith will not, therefore, abandon one jot or tittle of what she holds; for she has it on another and a surer tenure than man's opinion-she holds it directly from God!" One word more; only in the way of meek obedience shall we enter into the hidden riches of that Word—that kingdom; for that truth only which we love and live, we know. No book, much less the highest, yields its secrets, reveals its wonders, to any but the reverend, the loving, the humble. To other than those, the door of higher understanding is closed! "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven!" W. MISSIONARY MEETING IN AN ENGLISH VILLAGE. Ir may be interesting to your readers, We had offered a visit to a dignitary of one of its colleges, who proposed that we would accompany him after the halldinner, to witness the sight, and take part in the proceedings. I declined to speak; but my friend who accompanied me, replied that he could not refuse any opportunity of raising his voice for his heavenly Master. The day had been very wet; but as we drove towards the pretty village, through hedge-rows, and orchards rich in the varied colouring and perfume of fruittree blossom, the clouds began to dissipate before the light of a setting sun, which was tinging all the surrounding objects with its golden rays; and before the meeting was over, was pouring its full young people were exposed to it, without any kind of shelter, in open carriages, not a murmur was to be heard, or an expression of regret that they had come, dropped from a youthful lip, while the lively singing of the abstinence melodies, and the frequent and hearty cheering and waving of handkerchiefs, testified that all were happy and contented; and all gave decided and unequivocal testimony, by their conduct on this occasion, that the principle which had brought them together, is one to be followed, and one they are ready to follow, in rainy and cloudy days, and through stormy weather, as well as on days of sunshine and cloudless skies; and, certainly, their love of the special object they had in view, led us pleasingly to anticipate, that they were prepared to adhere not merely to the object of that day's pursuit-healthful recreation-but to sacred principle, in spite of difficulties which would have dismayed older persons. Arrived at Winchburgh, the party proceeded along the road by Duntarvie Castle through the village of Woodend, to the entrance of Hopetoun House grounds, at Parkhead gate. Passing down the avenue into the deer-park, a beautiful herd of two or three hundred deer crossed the path from the west, and made for Stonehill Tower, on the east, amid the cheering of the youthful band, who were quite delighted with the noble appearance of the stately animals, as they careered past them with astonishing rapidity. weather, from this moment, cleared up, The and the procession passed down towards the forest, near the Blue Gate, where the young people rested for a short time the cheering became general along the line, till, lost in the far distant woods, the echo died gently away on the breeze which sprung up, and served to dry the grass, while it bore away the loud acclaim of happy thousands. The pleasure-grounds were entered by Mrs. Erskine's gate, and the party moved along the Lady's walk,-a lovely secluded avenue, enclosed with lofty trees, and thickly planted shrubbery,-to the garden gate at the head of the Loan, where Mr. Smith, the venerable gardener, who has been upwards of fifty years in the service of the noble family, was awaiting the party, and, with his son, who had kindly come from Crieff, to assist his father on this interesting occasion, conducted the procession through the winding walks, through the hothouses filled with the choicest flowers, and vineries covered with numberless clusters of grapes, in various stages of progress towards ripeness, with a large and beautifully arranged collection of peaches, pine apples, fig trees, and every variety of rare and delicious fruit, which the well-known skill of a successful cultivator could produce. The gardens occupy a space of about fifteen acres of ground, and the hothouses, which are very large, are arranged in two rows, sure; they are constructed upon the most on the north side, with a southern expoapproved principles, and presented one of the most interesting features of the day, for the study of the young people. whole party moved round the outer walk, On passing through the gardens, the skirting the circular park, at the east end of the garden, and began to approach the house by the main avenue. women aud girls occupied the south side The young of the avenue, and the young men and boys the north side, and moved forward in two columns abreast of each other. On reaching the semicircular lawn immediEarl of Hopetoun, who had ordered a large ately in front of the house, the young piece of ordnance to be in readiness for the occasion, commenced firing a salute of twenty-two guns, in honour of the occasion; and as the party of young females approached the house on the south, and young males approached it on the north, and completely encompassed the view. the sight was truly magnificent. After ranged in two divisions, when one simula short time, the whole party were artaneous burst of applause burst forth from the multitude. Mr. J. Palmer, sung part of the hundredth About two o'clock, the party, led by Psalm; after which, the Rev. Mr. Playfair, minister of the parish, offered up thanks for the repast provided for the party, in brief and appropriate terms. The superintendents then proceeded to distribute six thousand loaves of bread which had been provided by the liberality each person invited to be present. In of the Earl of Hopetoun, being a loaf for consequence of some having been admitted with the party who had not been invited, there was a slight deficiency; to remedy which, a cart load of bread was procured from Queensferry. An abundant supply of fine spring and after they had rested a short time, water was distributed to the young people; sports on the lawn in front of the house, the females commenced their merry and the males retired to the park a little to the east, where they enjoyed themselves at foot-ball, cricket, bat and ball, flying dragons, races, &c. The scene in front of the house, at this time, was truly an enlivening one,-upwards of six thou sand young people, on a lovely day, playing themselves on one of the loveliest spots to be found in Scotland. The Countess of Hopetoun throughout the day manifested the greatest interest in the whole of the proceedings, witnessing them from the windows and porticos of the noble mansion. Several of the clergy and gentry of the surrounding country were also present as spectators, and seemed much pleased with the conduct of the young people. While the party were engaged with their games, the children and their attendants from Leadhills, the lead mines of the Earl of Hopetoun in Lanarkshire, and their companions from the adjoining village of Wanlockhead, the lead mines of the Duke of Buccleuch, in Dumfriesshire, all members of the British League, were invited into the house, and were received with the most marked kindness in the entrance hall by the Countess and the Earl, who conducted them in person over the public rooms and library, pointing out to the children the objects of inte rest. From the playground, stretching far away till lost to sight, might be seen Rosyth Castle, Queensferry, Inchkeith, North Berwick Law, and the Bass Rock, with numberless steamers, ships, and fishing-boats, on the bosom of the Forth; and this, when the interval of play took place, called forth the admiration of many a youthful heart. After play, the party walked close past the front of Hopetoun House, saluting the noble party at the windows as they passed. They then proceeded along the beautiful terraces, which overlook the sea, from which many delightful views were obtained, of Charleston Limekilns, Blackness Castle, the Ochills, and many other places of interest. Turning into the avenue, leading above Abercorn water, they passed down a long dark avenue of stately lime trees, to the west front of the house, where the party were formed on the beautiful green lawn, and served with fruit. At the west end of this beautiful lawn, there is a circular pond, from the centre of which, a jet of water rose into the air, some sixty or eighty feet. This formed an irresistible attraction to the young people; and around the banks of the pond, thousands were gamboling in youthful glee, when the unwelcome hour for assembling to prepare for leaving had arrived. Previous to leaving this lovely spot, the company assembled at the west front of the house, and sung a number of their melodies, after which they sang, with good effect, the National Anthem. Mr. Sin clair then very briefly addressed the assemblage, and called upon them to return the Countess of Hopetoun and the Earl of Hopetoun, their warmest thanks for the happiness conferred upon the thousands who had that day assembled at Hopetoun House, to view the splendid mansion. gardens, and grounds, which they had that day been privileged to do. Three loud and long-protracted cheers for the Countess and the Earl of Hopetoun, followed this proposal. Mr. Sinclair further said, they had also one other person to whom they were deeply indebted for that day's enjoyment, and to whose munificence they were under the deepest obligations,--obligations which, he trusted, they would never forget. He referred to John Hope, Esq.; the mention of whose name was the signal for one universal burst of applause. After the cheering had subsided, Mr. Sinclair proposed three cheers for our beloved Queen, which having been cordially given, three cheers were given for Mr. Sinclair, and the party then proceeded to the ground in front of the house, where they were to be mustered for retiring. The rolls having been called, and all reported right, the party began to move off from Hopetoun House about five o'clock, the young Earl firing a parting salute in front of the house. The procession, in retiring, passed up the Loan to the deer park, along Parkhead Avenue, through the nursery-garden, by Niddry View, to the public road above Woodend, and about a mile from the station. Along the long avenue from Parkhead to Woodend, the Edinburgh party lined the woods, and cheered the parties from the country, as they were told off by Mr. Sinclair, in the order in which they were to be taken up by the trains, the Edinburgh party remaining to the last, to see all their friends away. The train from Winchburgh, reached Edinburgh about nine o'clock; and, about the same time, the friends for Dunbar, Haddington, Dalkeith, &c., had reached their homes. It is with great pleasure we have learnt from the superintendents of the different parties present on this occasion, that notwithstanding the rain which fell in the morning and the evening, all the parties are well, and rejoicing in the happy day they spent at Hopetoun House. It must be a source of great gratification to those who had the responsibility of this undertaking, to learn, that not the slightest accident of any kind occurred; and that all the children and young people reached home in safety. In this they cannot be unmindful of that over ruling hand, which has guided such a vast number of very young persons out and in, and caused them to dwell in safety; and to Him be all the praise. The kindness and attention of all the people on the Hopetoun Estate, merit the warmest approbation of the friends of the young; and we trust they will have their reward. And the labour, attention, and anxiety which the friends from the different parts of the country bestowed upon their various charges, on this occasion, we trust, will also have its reward. A day like this is not soon to be forgotten,-its effects none can tell. We rejoice in it, as a practical attempt to train the young-to seek innocent, healthful, holy pleasures, in the enjoyment of nature, and the Book of God; and that it will have a blessed effect in turning their minds to the contemplation of things divine, we cannot doubt. That each year may see a growing increase in the numbers present, at the annual excursions of the British League of Juvenile Abstainers, and that each year they may be improved and benefited by what they see and hear,—all right thinking persons must wish. We cannot conclude this somewhat lengthened notice of the Juvenile fête, without adverting to the lively interest which the noble and youthful Earl of Hopetoun evinced, to contribute to the fullest extent, by his own personal effort, to the joy and happiness of his numerous youthful visitors. The spectacle of one of high birth and early years, entering so fully into the design of promoting the happiness of others, is certainly a delightful prestige of a life of eminent services to his countrymen and to his country-of a life every way worthy of the House of Hopetoun of a life distinguished by the brigh excellencies of piety and of sympathy, with all that is noble and good; and that the Earl of Hopetoun may be spared,largely to contribute to the welfare of the young people on his extensive estates of Leadhills, Ormiston, and Hopetoun-many of whom were present on this joyous occasion-and to the happiness of the thousands, from all parts, who also partook of his hospitality and kindness, is the fervent wish of those who appreciate the favours conferred upon the members and friends of the British League of Juvenile Abstainers at Hopetoun House, on this auspicious day. Religious and Missionary Entelligence. GERMANY. The Wittenberg Conference. In the city of Wittenberg, there still stands unchanged the old church in which Martin Luther (the 31st October, 1517) published his famous ninety-five theses, which was the signal for the glorious Reformation. In its pulpit, he and Melancthon preached the doctrines of salvation by free grace -justification by faith alone. Within its walls, listening crowds, 330 years ago, have been turned from darkness to light from serving Romish idols to serving the living and true God. It was in this church that 500 clergymen met in September, 1848, for the purpose of lifting up a testimony in favour of the same life-giving truths, and for beginning a new Reformation among the infidel masses of Germany. There were present at this conference, representatives of the four great branches of the German Protestant Church,-viz., the Lutheran, Reformed, United Prussian, and Moravian. Men most distinguished, at once for their learning, piety, and influence, took a leading part in the deliberations of the meeting. The names of many of those men are familiar to some of our readers such as Hengstenberg, Julius Muller, Nitzsch, and Krummacher, (author of Elijah the Tishbite,) with others equally well known abroad, as profound scholars, and faithful pastors. The conference lasted for three days. There was the freest discussion of the important and often perplexing questions which successively presented themselves for their decision; but the greatest harmony and brotherly love, with an ardent, devotional spirit, prevailed. An alliance was formed between the Churches, and not between individuals only, as in the Evangelical Alliance of our own country. The following are the principal objects of this alliance: 1. To shew the fundamental unity of the Protestant Church. 2. To bear a common testimony against the different adversaries of the Gospel. 3. To give mutual aid and advice. 4. To act as arbiter, or mediator, if difficulties arise between the Churches that are members of the league. 5. To maintain and defend all the rights and privileges secured to the Evan |