may not only be benefited by direct teaching, while in the school, but also be enabled to reflect, comprehend, and determine, at all times and under all circumstances. Constantly impress upon your scholars the solemn truth, that the possession of reasoning powers involves a serious responsibility; that the ability to hear and read, to compare and judge, renders them accountable, both for their belief and conduct; that the refusal to cultivate their mental faculties is a fearful transgression; and that the undying remembrance of their neglect or abuse of any of the precious gifts with which they are now entrusted, will greatly and eternally aggravate their merited condemnation."

"One solemn thought must close these remarks on mental discipline. If the mind be neglected, or improperly treated in childhood and youth, no power can completely repair the injury; for, though God may change the heart under circumstances which make such a result appear to man almost impossible, yet, have we no right to expect a frequent manifestation of such Almighty power; for, we cannot believe, that, consistently with the plan of universal government, by which God rules the world, he will constantly work miracles to bring back advantages which have been thrown away, or to restore the faculties which have been ignorantly or wantonly destroyed. Think seriously of this, and while, as an experienced instructor, you educate the mental endowments which God has bestowed; while, as a skilful physician, you remove the causes which would destroy the powers that are weak; and while, as a gentle nurse, you support and nourish those which are ready to perish; consider the solemn responsibility of your engagements, and spare no pains so to qualify yourself, that you may discharge your important func.. tions with fidelity, intelligence, and success: you cannot, indeed, produce new faculties in your scholars, but you can, and you ought to effect an improvement in those which they possess, and seek thereby to promote the great object of all Sunday School instruction."

"It is plain that you have nothing to do with the infliction of corporal punishment in the class; and that it is most desirable that the chastisements which you are constrained to adopt should be as few as possible; but your supremacy in the class must be maintained-and, by punishments too, if they be necessary. Because you are not to strike the scholars, and so to excite their angry feelings; because you are not to pull them here, or push them there, disturbing the calmness of your own mind, while you afford amusement to those scholars who witness the struggle and enjoy the resistance that is made; because you are not to observe and punish every trifling fault that is committed; you are not, therefore, obliged to suffer lawless confusion in the class, or to permit the violation of your positive injunctions."

* * *

:

"The cane may be banished: the blows with the Bible! and with the hand or fist, may be discontinued: the pulling of the ears or hair and the pinching, dragging, pushing, and kicking scholars, as means of discipline, may be altogether discarded; and their places supplied by evils less brutal, but alike destructive. This kind of treatment may be followed by an extreme, apparently more humane and dignified; but one that is equally opposed both to reason and Scripture. Has not a mischievous boy been seen standing the whole of a summer's afternoon upon a form, in a confined school-room; holding, it may be, the Word of God at arm's length, during a considerable portion of the time, to increase the severity of the punishment?-Has not a lively girl been seen sobbing her way to the house of prayer, with a large "bad behaviour label" attached to her clothing, to denote her restless conduct on a preceding sabbath? Have not brutalizing punishments been often exchanged for refinements of cruelty too painful for a minute detail ?-The cutting sarcasm, and the lengthened appeal to the heart, already overflowing with sorrow, are not uncommon! Trivial or unpremeditated faults have often been magnified by teachers of religion into dreadful crimes ; and then followed by the most frightful and unjust denun

ciations of impending wrath. Do not these prove that extremes are possible, and that the caution now presented is not altogether unnecessary."

*

"The admission of a fault after punishment, may also be obtained at too costly a sacrifice: the system of publicly begging pardon of the teacher in a kneeling posture, or the attempt to extort it in any posture by bodily pain, when the conviction of a fault is not felt, is so destructive to the feelings of noble-minded children, that both cannot be too strongly or too universally denounced: outward submission may be enforced by means of punishment; but the acknowledgment of guilt should be sought at another time, and by other means: the moment of pain is certainly not the best time to make the demand. A voluntary confession and a desire after forgiveness may in general be obtained, if proper means be perseveringly employed; and the degrading humiliation, or the manifestations of obstinacy, not only thereby prevented, but the gentler and better feelings of the scholars permanently strengthened, even by those very punishments which you inflict."

The work before us may be read with much profit, not only by teachers, but also by superintendents, and by all who have to take a part in the management of Sabbath Schools. It is desirable that

every teacher should possess a copy of this work. It ought, at least, to have a place in every Sunday school library; that those teachers who cannot afford its purchase, may derive the advantages it is so well adapted to impart.

SERMONS by the late Rev. EBENEZER TEMPLE, of Rochford, Essex; with a Biographical Sketch of the Author, by his Widow. 8vo. 312 pp. JoHN SNOW.

WHEN We see men of God-ministers of Christ, who were labouring with acceptance and usefulness in the word and doctrine, taken away by the hand of death, in the flower of life, and thus leaving their dear relatives, and the churches of Christ to lament the bereavement they have thus sustained, we see an impressive illustration of the words of the Psalmist, as applied to Jehovah-" Clouds and darkness are round about him," yet we rejoice to be able to add,—“ righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne."

We have read the memoir of Mr. Temple with affecting interest and mournful pleasure. He appears to have been a man of God, devoted to His service, and the service of His church. The sermons are practical, instructive, and excellent. We might find a few faults in the work if disposed to criticise minutely—but these are only as spots in the sun. The volume is a valuable memorial of departed excellence, worthy the patronage of all who love the Lord Jesus Christ.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CALENDAR, and Family Almanac, for 1843. Published for the Congregational Union, by JACKSON AND WALFORD.

We are surprised to find that the sale of this excellent publication has not hitherto been sufficiently extensive to defray the expense of its publication. We are satisfied that this has not arisen from any want of excellence in the work, but must have arisen either from its not being sufficiently known, or from the apathy of those for whose use it is specially intended.

It contains a mass of valuable information, relating not merely to the usual contents of an Almanac, but also concerning civil and ecclesiastical affairs. Statistical accounts are given of most of the religious communities of this country and foreign lands. It also contains interesting sketches snd descriptive particulars of several chapels of recent erection. The information it contains is both interesting and important, and must be especially so to all dissenters. We most cordially recommend this work.

THE DIVINE WARNING, to the Church at this time, of our present enemies, dangers, and duties, and as to our future prospects. A Sermon preached before the Protestant Association, by the Rev. E. BICKEKSTETH. 8vo. 50 pp.

A faithful warning against the errors and fearful consequences of Popery and Puseyism.

THE CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRY, Sustained by a Divine, and adequate Human Sanction. 12mo. 35 pp. JACKSON AND WALFORD.

THIS seasonable tract has been put forth by the Congregational Union, in defence of the Christian Ministry as exercised in Congregational Churches. It was read and adopted at a meeting of the Congregational Union, held in Liverpool in October last.

This publication is designed to disprove the exclusive claims to the exercise of the ministerial office, as put forth on behalf of the clergy of the church by law established, on the ground of their diocesan episcopal ordination and apostolical descent. The fallacies of the assumptions by which those claims are attempted to be upheld, are clearly exposed.

We are much pleased that the dogma which teaches the absolute necessity of ordination to the ministerial office, by the imposition of ministerial hands, is disavowed. That ordination is not regarded as confirming Divine authority, but merely as a service by which the church acknowledges and sanctions, as ministers of Christ, devoted to the service of His church, those who are called by God and the church to sustain the ministerial office.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PUSEYISM; a Sermon, by the Rev. II. J. BEVIS. Published by request. 8vo. 35 pp. JOHN SNOW.

A condensed statement and refutation of the principal errors of Puseyism, alias Popery, as taught by clergymen of the Church of England. It would be impossible to bring so extensive a controversy into the limits of the discourse before us, so as to do full justice to the merits of the important questions to which it refers. The topics brought under notice are discussed in a popular manner, and the publication is a seasonable antidote to the poison which is now so industriously disseminated.

THE FAMILY CHOIR; or, Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, for Social Worship. The Music selected from the most eminent composers: arranged for Four Voices, and the Pianoforte or Organ. The Poetry from Watts, Wesley, and others. 8vo. Part II. SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, and Co.

THE selections of poetry made for this work are of a very superior kind, and we are informed by a friend on whose judgment we can rely, that the music is very excellent. The work is to be completed in six parts. It will no doubt be highly acceptable to the lovers of sacred music, and tend to promote the delightful exercise of singing the praises of God.

CANADIAN SCENERY ILLUSTRATED: from Drawings by W. II. BARTLETT; the Literary Department by N. P. WILLIS, Esq. Part XXX. Royal 4to. G. VIRTUE.

THE Concluding part of this splendid work illustrative of Canada. It contains views of "The Horse Shoe Falls; Old Fort near Annapolis Royal; Orford Mountain; and a Map of Canada." This work is executed throughout in a superlative manner; the cost to the spirited publisher must have been immense; and only a very, extensive' sale can reimburse the great outlay of capital for its production.

THE SCENERY AND ANTIQUITIES OF IRELAND Illustrated; from Drawings made expressly for this work, by W. H. BARTLETT; the Literary Department by N. P. WILLIS, Esq. Part XIX. Royal 4to. G. VIRTUE.

The Illustrations in this Part are the "Head of the Devil's Glen; Old Baal's Bridge, Limerick; Ballybunian; and Roserk Abbey."

FOX'S BOOK OF MARTYRS; Edited by the REV, J. CUMMING, M. A. Part XVIII. Royal 8vo. G. VIRTUE.

Illustrated with a beautiful engraved portrait of John Calvin, also with representations of the martyrdom of John Lambert and William Cowbridge, Canterbury Cathedral, and other emblematical devices. The print and paper are excellent. It is altogether a beautiful edition of one of the most valuable works.

DEAR SIR,

APATHY OF THE CHURCH.

TO THE EDITOR.

The lamentable apathy of the Christian Church is a subject of alarming importance. It requires not to be demonstrated by any logical argumentation. The fact is admitted on all hands, and I doubt not you will agree with me, that if any plans can be suggested to increase the efficiency of the church, they are legitimate topics for discussion in our Connexional periodicals. Professing to believe that God in whom all men live, move, and have their being, has a perfect right to the supreme affections of the whole human family, is it not an act of the basest ingratitude to withhold for a moment the full surrender of the whole heart to him. Professing ourselves followers of him who, leaving the glories which he had with the Father before the foundation of the world, deigned to assume the nature which we had disgraced; spent a life of ceaseless activity, and unwearied toil; suffered unparalleled ignominy and reproach, and ultimately laid down his life for the ransom of the world; is it a matter of indifference that 790 millions out of the 800 millions of which the human family is composed, are living either in open rebellion against God, or total ignorance of true religion. The righteous claims of justice have been satisfied; the Saviour of the world ceases not to proclaim to the toilsome slaves of Satan-"Come unto me and I will give you rest"-the Holy Spirit reiterates the blest welcomethe church alone is insincere. It is true she has spread the Gospel supper, she has welcomed her voluntary guests, but it is to be feared she has awfully misapprehended the command of her host-" Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." The church has greatly mistaken the resources at her command. If God had promised to convert the world in answer to the prayers, independent of the exertions, of the church, the world had been converted long ago. If the Spirit's agency had been promised in answer to the prayers, but independent of the agency, of the church, methinks the same happy result would ere this have transpired. But Sir, it is to be feared the church on this point has laboured under a fatal error. Instead of praying for the co-operative influences of the Holy Spirit to give success to her exertions, she has rather allowed herself to be betrayed into the expectation that those benign and gracious influences were intended to supersede them.

But a species of agency has been revived in some of our churches,

.

which, if vigorously organized, and divinely directed, is calculated to produce the most glorious results. And sir, it is more especially that this mode of operation may be urged upon the attention of the various churches of the Wesleyan Methodist Association, that these remarks are addressed to you at the present time. We claim neither novelty nor originality for the plan. It is a feeble attempt to carry into practical obedience the foregoing command of our Divine Lord; and as your columns are open for religious intelligence, we will endeavour briefly to detail the plan and its results as feebly attempted in Sheffield. The leaders' meeting appointed a committee to organize measures for the increase of our congregation, which had been gradually diminishing for several years. That Committee, having heard of the happy results which had attended similar operations in other places, and being convinced that they were consonant with the Divine command, resolved to attempt their introduction among us. A week's special services were held as a commencement. They consisted of prayer meetings held every morning at six o'clock, and every evening at half-past seven o'clock. The evening meetings were interspersed by impressive addresses from our itinerant minister, and some of our local brethren. Several thousand small slips of paper, containing invitations to the chapel were printed. The neighbourhood of our chapel was divided into districts, each containing from forty to fifty houses, and about a score of our people engaged in the work of visiting from house to house, two persons being appointed to each district. The result of this was speedily apparent in a considerable increase in the number of our usual congregation. The special services were continued for two weeks, and during that time several souls were converted, and there have since been frequent additions to our numbers. By these means about 400 families have been repeatedly visited and invited to the house of God. The visitors unanimously agree that they have met with a better reception than their most sanguine hopes had led them to expect.

In this favoured town, where there are churches and dissenting places of worship on every hand, and where Methodism has flourished for ages, it is found that the great mass of the inhabitants are living in total neglect of God, and unconcern for the eternal welfare of their souls. In proof of this melancholy fact it may be noticed, that in a district containing about forty houses, only five families are in the habit of attending any place of worship, one of whom is of the Roman Catholic persuasion. There are also two Socialist families, if we may be allowed, in referring to them, the use of a name discarded by Owen, who designates as "dens of selfishness and hypocrisy," the family circle and domestic hearth. In another district there are five families attending different places of worship, two of which are Roman Catholics. But it would be superfluous to weary your readers with an amplification of details. We believe the whole of the districts present in the aggregate an average amount of spiritual destitution proportionately great. Out of these eighty houses, each containing, on the lowest average compu tation, five persons, there are 350 persons living in the habitual neglect of the worship of God.

Are these the times for apathy? With these startling facts before us, is the church any longer to look on with indifference? It is not the will of God that such a melancholy state of things should be perpetuated. Christ has died for the ransom of the world; the Holy Spirit is ready to co-operate with the church to any extent, and the responsibility of the conversion of the world lies upon her shoulders. Oh! awful, tremendous responsibility! Let the churches of the Wesleyan Methodist Association, by one vigorous, simultaneous, and determined effort, resolve that the blood of souls shall no longer be found in the skirts of her garments. In some places her numerical strength is as many thousands as it is hundreds in Sheffield; and a powerful organization of her energies, dictated by ardent love to God, and concern