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arrive at the age referred to, into a separate apartment; forming them into a distinct class, under the care of some one, whose judgment and intelligence qualify him to present the truth to their minds in an enlarged and interesting form, while his situation and character in society are such as to command their respect. As their numbers increase more agents will be required; and where the services of such as are really eligible cannot be secured in the morning, it may be desirable to pursue these engagements in the afternoon of the Sabbath only. There can be little doubt, that if two classes of this kind, one for each sex (more if the numbers require it), were connected with each of our Sunday-schools, there would be thousands preserved to the church, and prepared for future usefulness. Besides these classes there should be those of the pastor, superintended by himself, if not on the Sabbath, on some evening of the week. Possibly these might include a portion of the more advanced scholars already referred to. But among them would be found more of the junior teachers, and many children of the congregation, who would not be sent to an ordinary Sunday-school. Let me say, with all the earnestness which the importance of the case demands, that no lay agency for the instruction of the young can be complete, without the cement of the pastor's example and influence. Nay, more, I will make the assertion, and I do it with a deep and solemn conviction of its truth, that no pastor can be "making full proof of his ministry," who does not personally, privately, and systematically teach the young. To feed the lambs was the first of all the pastoral duties enjoined by his divine Master; and he who leaves this duty entirely to be performed by the members of his flock, is losing sight of his own responsibility, while he rejects one of the highest and purest sources of influence and usefulness. No preaching from the pulpit can produce the same affectionate feelings in the breasts of the young, as are excited by the kind and well-adapted teaching of the private Bible class. No popularity of talent can secure such a hold on the heart of a thoughtful youth, as the continued effort of his pastor, week after week, in opening and unfolding to his mind the stores of divine knowledge And when years have past away, no class of persons will be found better fitted for occupying all the departments of lay agency, than those who have been thus trained. Their pastor knows the character of their minds, their dispositions, and the extent of their abilities. Consequently, when he invites them to labour, he knows what sphere is most suitable for them, and what they may do with the least danger of producing pride or self-conceit. These classes may also be expected to supply ministers, evangelists, and missionaries to the heathen.”—Our Country, pp. 64-67.

It would gratify us exceedingly to multiply extracts from both the volumes before us; but sufficient have been the remarks and citations of this and the preceding article, to prove our estimate of their value, and our desire, that the churches and pastors of the Congregational denomination especially, should give them the benefit of an extended circulation in their respective spheres of action. These are not times for indolent repose, or slumbering acquiescence, in "things as they are!" There must be inspection, revision, and amendment. Talent must be cultivated, gifts must be exercised, opportunities must be improved, facilities must be created and extended, by rising above prejudices and prepossessions, and bringing the tone of effort and expectation to harmonize with the spirit of the age and the rising intelligence of all classes around us. "In a battle," says Dr. Johnson, appropriately quoted by Jethro, "every man should fight as if he were the single champion and in preparation for war, every man should think, as if the last event depended on his counsel. None can tell what discoveries are within his reach; or how much

he may contribute to the public safety." Our esteemed brethren have individually acted on this great principle. We thank them sincerely for the benefit of their energy, both in action and in counsel; and remembering, that it is "not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord," We commend these results of their labours to the affectionate regard of the churches and the blessing of the divine Redeemer.

THE EDITOR'S TABLE.

The Fathers and Founders of the London Missionary Society; with a brief sketch of Methodism, and historical notices of the several Protestant Missions, from 1556 to 1839. By John Morison, D.D. 2 vols. 8vo. Fisher and Co.

The Primitive Doctrine of Regeneration sought for in the Holy Scripture, and investigated through the medium of the written documents of Ecclesiastical Antiquity. By George Stanley Faber, B.D. Master of Sherborn Hospital, and Prebendary of Salisbury. 8vo. Seeley and Son.

The Primitive Doctrine of Justification investigated; relatively to the several definitions of the Church of Rome and the Church of England, and with a special reference to the opinions of the late Mr. Knox, as published in his Remains. By George Stanley Faber, B.D. Second Edition. 8vo. Seeley and Son.

Prince Albert, his Country and Kindred. London: 8vo. Ward and Co. A Greek and English Lexicon to the New Testament; especially adapted to the use of Colleges and Schools, but also intended as a convenient manual for Students in Divinity and Theological Readers in general. By the Rev. S. T. Bloomfield, D.D. F.S.A. of Sidney College, Cambridge. 8vo. Longman and Co.

The Fountain of Life; or, the Union between Christ and Believers. By the Rev. T. Jones, of Creaton. Second edition. 12mo. R. B. Seeley.

Hours of Thought; or, Poetic Musings. By J. S. Hardy. 12mo. Harvey and Darton.

A Treatise on Baptism, designed as a Help to the due improvement of that holy Sacrament, as administered in the Church of England. By the Rev. E. Bickersteth, Rector of Watton, Herts 12mo. R. B. Seeley.

Nathaneal of Cana, being an illustration of his character, and his interview with our Lord Jesus Christ, practically applied. By the Rev. J. Powell. 12mo. R. Groombridge.

Hours of Thought. By W. M'Combie. and Co.

Second edition. 12mo. Ward

Every day Duties; in Letters to a young Lady. By M. A. Stodart. 12mo. R. B. Seeley.

The Christian Visitor; or, Select Portions from the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles, with Expositions and Prayers. Designed to assist the friends of the Sick and Afflicted. By Rev. W. Jowett, M.A. late Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge. 12mo. R. B. Seeley.

The Cottage among the Mountains; a narrative of peculiarly interesting facts. 12mo. R. B. Seeley.

Agathos and other Sunday Stories. By a Clergyman. 12mo. R. B. Seeley. The Captivity of the Jews, and their Return to Babylon. 12mo. Religious Tract Society.

Life of Origen. 12mo. Religious Tract Society.

The Tendency of Socinian Principles to lead to Infidelity; a Sermon. By Andrew Russell, A.M. Edinburgh: 12mo. John Johnstone.

The Only Son. A brief Memorial of a departed Youth. By the Rev. John Adey. 18mo. E. F. Gooch.

A Treatise on Man's Responsibility.

and Co.

By J. H. Hinton. 12mo. Ball

Israel's Return; or, Palestine regained. By J. E. Freeman. 12mo. Ward and Co.

The Acceptable Sacrifice; or, The Excellency of a Broken Heart. By John Bunyan. 12mo. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

The Church of Rome examined; or, Can I ever enter the Church of Rome so long as I believe the whole Bibl? A question submitted to the conscience of every Christian Reader. Translated from the French of the Rev. C. Malan, D.D. Pastor of the Church of Testimony, Geneva. By the Rev. J. Cormack, D.D. Minister of Stow. 12mo. Nisbet and Co.

Rev. J. H. Roebuck's Lectures; Anti-Owenism. No. I. and Marshall.

12mo. Simpkin

The Royal Marriage; a Sermon preached at Maberly Chapel, By Robert Philip. 8vo. J. Snow, Paternoster Row.

The Question Answered; Can Dissenting Congregations claim the Blessings promised to united Worship? Including remarks on a Sermon recently delivered in Beaminster Church, by the Rev. W. Maskell, A.M. Curate of Corscombe. By Alfred Bishop, Beaminster. 8vo. J. Prince, Bridport.

A Reply to the "Queries and Remarks" upon a late pamphlet, entitled "The Question Answered." By Alfred Bishop. 8vo. Dinnis and Co. The Harmony of the Divine Attributes. By William Bates, D.D. Reprinted from the edition of 1675. Ward's Library, No. 15. London: Ward and Co. The Sidercal Heavens, and other subjects connected with Astronomy, as illustrative of the character of the Deity, and of an infinity of worlds. By Thomas Dick, LL.D. With 86 engravings. 12mo. London: Ward and Co.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

We are happy to announce that the Committee of the Dissenting Deputies, have nearly ready for publication, "a people's edition" of Dr. Wardlaw's Lectures on National Churches, which is printed in double columns like Ward's Library of Standard Divinity, and will be sold, without abridgment, at one shilling! We doubt not, that by this liberal and enlightened measure many thousand copies of that admirable work will be circulated throughout the empire.

"A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities" is now publishing in monthly parts, to form an octavo volume, which we beg to recommend to the notice of our readers. Several gentlemen well versed in classical lore are engaged on the work, who diligently avail themselves of the writings of the modern German philologists, which contain stores of learning illustrative of Greek and Roman authors, that have not hitherto been transferred into our English books of classical instruction. It is beautifully printed and illustrated by interesting wood-cuts, and the whole is got up by Messrs. Taylor and Walton, in a style that is alike creditable to themselves, as publishers, and to the character of the gentleman who is the responsible editor. His name at present is not before the public, but it inspires us with confidence, that this Dictionary will form an important addition to our lexicographical literature.

The Evangelical Voluntary Church Association has commenced its labours of advocating the claims of the voluntary principle on religious grounds only, by the publication of the Rev. John Burnet's Lecture, at the Town Hall, Hertford, entitled "The Church of England and the Church of Christ."

The Herts Reformer, an able weekly paper, will from the 29th of February, devote its last page to the same question, under the patronage of the above Society, in which articles will appear from the pens of our leading Voluntaries.

TRANSACTIONS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES, AT HOME AND ABROAD.

POSITION AND PROSPECTS OF THE COLONIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The Committee of this Society are desirous of presenting a brief view of its present state. They feel constrained to repeat and redouble their appeals on its behalf. The facts they state are their apology for the importunity they employ. PECUNIARY POSITION OF THE SOCIETY.-Early in December last the committee laid before the public a statement of the finances of the Society, and founded on it an appeal for pecuniary assistance.

That statement was, in brief, to the effect, that the committee were then, in round figures, about one thousand pounds in arrear; that they anticipated before the end of March additional claims, to the amount of about twelve hundred pounds; that as the current year closes with March, to leave the Society then clear of incumbrance, two thousand two hundred pounds would be required.

Three months have elapsed since that statement and appeal were made. Since then it has been ascertained, that the prospective claims on the Society were understated. The receipts during these three months, as nearly as can be ascertained, have been about one thousand pounds. The utmost, therefore, that the committee can hope is, that they will not close the year in worse circumstances than those in which they commenced it; namely, about eight hundred pounds in debt!

This is a state of affairs requiring serious consideration. It brings to view the grand obstacle to the progress of the Society-the difficulty of obtaining funds. Some remarks on this statement seems indispensable.

1. The committee ought to express the gratitude they feel to many warm and generous friends, whose seasonable contributions and services have cheered even more than they have assisted them.

2. The experience of now nearly four years of perplexity from want of funds, compels the committee to ask in plain and serious terms, whether their brethren whom amidst much difficulty, but with great willingness, they are serving in this most necessary and hopeful enterprise, do so approve of efforts to spread the Gospel among their own countrymen, in accordance with all their own cherished views both of doctrine and polity, as to secure the pecuniary efforts that are essential for the work?

3. The committee, brought to a pause by their financial difficulties, cannot avoid putting the question whether they have not ventured on operations too extended and chargeable? They cannot on this ground impute to themselves blame. So pressed have they been for ministers for numerous important stations in the colonies, that of them they have in fact neglected more districts than they have supplied. So inviting have been the fields of labour they have been pressed to occupy, that refusal or even delay has equally required resolution and occasioned regret. Besides, how could the committee limit themselves to operations so timid and feeble, as to imply suspicion at once of the goodness of their cause, and of the liberality of their brethren?

4. If the Colonial Missionary Society is to prosper and grow so as to become what it ought to be, and might be, an honour to our churches, and a blessing to our expatriated countrymen, the churches and their pastors must, by efforts of their own, to a much enlarged extent, supply permanent pecuniary aid. The utmost exertions of the central committee will also be needed, and will not be withheld; but unassisted, they cannot be sufficient. While the funds obtained with least discount of expense, with most force of principle, and with greatest certainty of permanence, are those raised by the pastor and his people upon their own judgment and willingness.

5. These statements of pecuniary difficulty, painful in themselves, and in the effect they have already had, in limiting the operations of the Society, become greatly more so when viewed in reference to claims for extended efforts, which are thus rendered impossible, now before the committee. Let these be briefly stated.

APPLICATIONS FOR MINISTERS.-1. For four important stations in Upper Canada, able and educated ministers are immediately wanted. These districts will certainly suffer, and may be entirely lost to our body by delay.

2. Six stations in Lower Canada are in exactly similar circumstances.

3. Our American brethren are discontinuing, and wish as soon as possible entirely to close their operations in the Canadas. Ten congregations in the Niagara district of Upper Canada, formerly served by American ministers, have applied in vain to the committee. A distinct proposal has been made by the committee of the American Home Missionary Society, that the Colonial Missionary Society should forthwith provide for their twelve remaining stations in the Canadas, which our American brethren find that national antipathies will unhappily no longer allow them to occupy with advantage.

4. Two churches in Nova Scotia, with chapels and other property, and not inconsiderable in numbers, apply earnestly to the Society for ministers, and know not where else to look.

5. Mr. Stowe, at Adelaide, is generously willing at an early period to relieve the Society from any further charge for his support, if the committee will send out three additional ministers, to commence their abours at the very beginning of three new settlements in the noble colony of South Australia, as he opened his own ministry amidst the first tents and huts of Adelaide.

6. Port Philip, Van Diemen's Land, New South Wales, and New Zealand, are severally applicants to the committee for ministers, under varied degrees of urgency in their appeals, and of hopefulness in the stations for which they apply.

EVERY ONE OF THESE APPLICATIONS MUST BE REFUSED.-It is painful, not to say humiliating to the committee, we say not, to the churches, that to every quarter of the globe letter after letter of refusal must be thus addressed. But the case is now distinctly before the public, and henceforth the churches must at least share with the committee the responsibility involved in the feebleness, and inadequacy with which this great work is prosecuted.

APPLICATION FOR A PASTOR FROM A CHURCH AT WARWICK, UPPER CANADA, gathered by the labours of Mr. Clarke, missionary of the Society at London, U. C. How can the appeal addressed to the committee with so much simplicity and beauty, in the following letter, be resisted; yet how can it be complied with? Let British Christians think of a church sustaining its own fellowship without a pastor, amidst Canadian wilds, distant a hundred miles from the nearest sister community! Let British pastors think of a village station that must be reached by a journey of nearly a hundred miles through Canadian woods! Whether do these facts speak with greater force of the destitution of our brethren, or of the zeal of our missionaries in Canada; or more strongly than of either, of the duty of British Christians amidst the ease and the abundance of home, to exert themselves with large liberality for the supply of those for whom nothing is provided? And how it may be gathered incidentally from these statements, that Christians of the Congregational Order, and who in England were in church-fellowship, are scattered in our colonies in great numbers, and in distressing need of pastors and ordinances !

"Dear Brethren in Christ,-The United Congregational Church of Warwick and Bosanquet, in the western district of Upper Canada, presents affectionate and grateful salutations to the Congregational Colonial Mission.

"Once scattered in the wilderness without a shepherd or a fold, we are now united and gathered by your christian charity and solicitude.

"We have struggled with privations and difficulties, necessarily connected with our first settlement in the bush; to which were added the still greater privations

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