EUROPE-FRANCE.

New project of law on public instruction. -The discussions on this subject, both in the Legislative Assembly, and in the more private circles of society throughout France, are beginning to excite the attention of all parties, religious and political. "It is intended by means of it to open to the priests and monastic bodies the doors of the university, and to give them a large amount of influence in the national education. Four archbishops or bishops must be in the higher council of education; then, in each diocese, the bishop will figure in the councils of the second order; then, in the cantons and villages, the cure will have the sovereign inspection of the schools." This is just the sort of influence the priests are most of all desirous to obtain, inasmuch as by means of it they can most effectually destroy the privileges secured by the late revolution, and render liberty once more in France but a mere name. And already are its fruits beginning to appear. M. de Montalembert, the head of the Roman Catholic party in the State, had said in his place at the tribune, "There is no middle course, we must choose Catholicism or Socialism;"-language which obviously implied, that all who did not believe in the infallibility of the Pope and the traditions of the pontifical church, are Socialists. To this statement, M. Emile Deschauel, a professor in the university of Paris, and a man who has always discharged in a becoming manner the duties of his office, dared to publish in a periodical, entitled La Liberte de Penser, an energetic reply. This, however, only had the effect in the first instance, of incurring the displeasure of the priesthood; and before he had time to publish the second part of his reply, M. Deschauel was summarily dismissed by the Minister of Public Instruction.

Nor is it only the professors of universities who are to suffer the effects of this new project of law on public instruction, the evangelists and colporteurs of France, whose labours have already been blessed to so great an extent in spreading the gospel, are destined also to be arrested in their work. An evangelist, M. Comte, a man of irreproachable character, and who has never taken any part in political affairs, has been seized by gendarmes, and cited before a

tribunal, which sentenced him to be fined 500 francs and costs. And why? Because, according to his judges, he had opened a club-that is, M. Comte had held two or three small religious meetings, at the request of some persons in the village of Peyrat, in which he offered prayer, and made some short remarks on the contents of the scriptures. Nor is this all. M. Comte has since been sentenced, not only to a fine, but to four weeks' imprisonment, simply for having sold some bibles without the permission of the prefect; and as he had previously been incarcerated three weeks, it follows, that this devoted man will pass nearly two months among malefactors and thieves, because he has distributed the word of God.

Another colporteur, who had obtained from the prefect authority to sell books of religion, confined himself, as he imagined, according to the terms of his license, to the circulation of bibles, new testaments, and almanachs de bous conceils, published by the Evangelical Tract Society. This, however, it appears, was a violation of the new law also, at least, it was so construed by the interpretation of his judges, and he also was arrested and thrown into prison, on the plea, that the almanachs de bous conceils is not a book of religion, but a religious book!

SPAIN.

Interesting state of Spain.-Indications of increasing preparedness for the reception of the truth.-In a former number of Evangelical Christendom, the Rev. Dr Thomson announces the commencement by M. Calderon, of a new periodical in the Spanish language, corresponding in its character with our religious magazines. Its title is Catolicismo Neto, which, in English, is Pure or Purified Catholicism. "The author of this work," says Dr Thomson, "is a Spaniard, who several years ago was converted, as I may say, to Protestantism in his own country, while reading a work printed in Spain to refute the positions of Luther; and who afterwards, driven by persecution on account of his Protestant views, fled into France, and was there converted to the gospel in his soul by means of

a Protestant minister in that country." Catolicismo Neto is edited and printed by M. Calderon in this country, to be sold or circulated in Spain. Among others to whom the magazine had been sent, was a priest in Madrid. In acknowledging receipt of it, he says: "I duly received No. 2 of Catolicismo Neto, and immediately read it. I was much pleased with the clearness and evangelical simplicity which the author has happily used in favour of the well-being of his countrymen." M. Calderon has also been employed for some time past in preparing an improving version of the entire bible, conformable to the original languages of the scriptures. Garcia Blanco, the priest referred to, is also engaged in a similar work-translating the entire Hebrew Bible into Spanish, for circulation in his own country. He is a learned Hebrew scholar, and a professor of that language in the university of Madrid. He has been a diligent and close reader of the Hebrew scriptures for more than twenty years, and has greatly contributed to extend the study of that language in Spain; a chair for which is now established in the chief universities of the country.

M.

In a subsequent communication, also addressed to Evangelical Christendom, Dr Thomson goes on to adduce evidence of an increasing preparedness for the reception of the truth in Spain. Much of this, besides what has come under his own notice among different classes of the people, he has gathered by means of correspondence with native Spaniards. "Many reflecting men among us," says one of his correspondents, "consider a reform in our religion and clergy as indispensable, and do not think it a very difficult task. I am of the same opinion. Spain is at present better prepared for such reform than England was in the time of Luther. Indeed, the impositions and abuses in the Spanish Church, and the corruption of the clergy, are now much greater and better known than they could be at the time of the Reformation, and, moreover, the Church of Rome has lost the prestige she had among the Spaniards. It is a fact which no one well acquainted with the religious state of the country will deny, that Spaniards, generally speaking, neither want nor respect the Pope as in former times. It is French policy and influence, a portion of our aristocracy, and the retrograde party, who are forcing that scourge upon the country. It still brings to the treasury from twenty to thirty millions of reals, (£200,000, or £300,000.)" In the same letter, the writer proceeds to suggest, as means to be employed in attempting

the evangelisation of Spain, first of all, the publication of a weekly paper in the Spanish language, at Gibraltar, under the title of El Reformador, or El Verdadero Christiano, in which the pernicious influence of the Church of Rome, in the affairs of Spain, should be brought to light, to show the people the impositions and abuses introduced into the Spanish Church against the true spirit of the gospel. Then he urges, that exertions should be made to distribute the bible among the priests and schoolmasters in the different sections of the country; and that small societies should be formed in all the large towns for the propagation of the gospel.

HOLLAND.

Free Church Mission to the Jews.From a letter by the Rev. C. Schwartz, of date February last, it appears that the Free Church Mission to the Jews has at length gained a footing in Amsterdam, and that Providence is again beginning to smile upon their labours. "Permission," says Mr

Schwartz, "has at last been obtained from government, so that we are now at liberty to preach the gospel to Jews and christians; and I think it but right to mention, that we are under great obligations to all our friends here, and especially to Messrs Da Costa and Capardose, as these two dear brethren have not only sympathised with us in the day of trial and perplexity, but have also assisted us with their brotherly advice, and actually exerted themselves on our behalf. I am glad to add, that we have lately experienced a similar kind treatment from the Dutch and Scotch ministers of the Reformed Presbyterian Church here." In a subsequent part of the same letter, Mr Schwartz adds,-"The Dutch friends of Israel have a prayer meeting for Israel every first Thursday of the month, in one of the largest churches here. Our dear brother, Da Costa, held the last meeting. At least 3000 persons were present, amongst whom were a good many Jews, even of the wealthiest classes, for they had come there with their own carriages. M. Da Costa spoke with great power on Zech. xii. 9; xiii. 2."

TURKEY.

Free Church Mission to the Jews.-The Rev. Alexander Thomson, of the Free Church Mission at Haaskioy, Constantino

ple, and the Rev. R. Koenig, at Galata, Constantinople, both report progress in their labours, especially among the Jewish children. After a series of imposing difficulties which he had been called to encounter in the prosecution of his work, Mr Thomson says, "Since then we have been steadily progressing, so that we have now upwards of thirty pupils on our roll, meeting in the very heart of the Jewish population, and in defiance of the public threats and private remonstrances of the Rabbis." "There is," says Mr Koenig, "a cheering progress observable in our schools, and we perceive with much encouragement, the growing influence which they exert on the dead masses around us."

ASIA-INDIA.

Free Church Mission.-From a letter by Dr Duff to the convener of the Free Church Mission, we learn that this devoted missionary in the course of his tour through Northern India had reached the city of Lahore, the sacred city of the Sikhs, so lately the scene of anarchy and bloodshed, and had the privilege of preaching the everlasting gospel to an assembly of upwards of two hundred ladies and gentlemen, civil and military, in the great hall of the government house, now occupied by Sir Henry Law

rence.

From the same letter it appears that the missionaries of the American Presbyterian Church, who have for years occupied many important stations in northern India, had long contemplated the establishment of a mission at Lahore. For the promotion of this object, two of their number had reached this place some time ago; and already have some practical steps been taken in connection with their long-projected design. From Bombay, the Rev. J. Murray Mitchell makes mention of one of the pupils of the French boarding school, as about to be received by baptism into the church of Christ. He refers also to the case of a Portuguese teacher in the institution, as one of a very interesting kind. "He has not yet," Mr Murray adds, "formally or publicly renounced the errors of popery, but he is perfectly prepared to do so when it may seem expedient. He is a young man of excellent abilities and great energy, both in learning and teaching; and his knowledge of three languages-Portuguese, English, and Menathi-may yet render him, I trust, an instrument of extensive usefulness in Bombay." The communications from Madras refer chiefly to the exhausting labours

of Messrs Johnston and Braidwood, and the urgent necessity there is for more labourers and means to enable them to carry on their work.

Missions of the London Missionary Society. The latest communications received from the agents of this society, contain some pleasing accounts of the divine blessing upon their labours in several parts of India. At Belgaum, the Rev. W. Beynon announces the baptism of two young natives-the sonin-law and daughter of a respectable native. The young woman's eldest brother is in a pleasing state of mind; his letters to his sister, exhorting her to steadfastness and perseverance, are interesting. At Gujerat in Western India, the Rev. Mr Taylor announces the addition to this branch of the mission, of seven individuals in one week, and illustrates, in an interesting manner, the firmness in particular of one of the converts under the bitter persecutions to which she was subjected by her heathen neighbours and friends. At Cuddapah in the Teloogoo country, the Rev. Edward Porter records the baptism on the Lord's-day, the 23d of August last, of an interesting native of the name of Rhodey, in the presence of the native christian congregation; and on the Lord's-day, the 7th of October, the baptism of three Hindoo women, with their three infant children, in the presence of a large native congregation. They were all of them wives of former converts, who had been brought to the knowledge of Christ, partly through the consistent conduct and instruction of their husbands, and partly by their attendance upon the public means of grace. In the same letter, Mr Porter gives an interesting account of the death of some native christians, their patience under suffering, and peace in death.

AFRICA-OLD CALABAR.

The Pharisee and the Publican.-Friday, 20th July.-While at breakfast I received a note from one of the ship captains, intimating that the neck of one of Efiong Toby's wives was in danger. Went immediately, and had a long talk with him. He Las sore eyes, and blames one of his women for having freemason for him. He understands English pretty well. The king and gentlemen had finished a palaver about the affair just as I went to him. Was happy

to learn that the woman had escaped condemnation. Told Efiong of the true cause of all our troubles, but found him one of the self-righteous, who has done nothing against

God or man all his days, though both have done plenty bad to him. Brought before him the doctrine of both law and gospel. After getting home had an interesting conversation with Henshaw Duke. He came to tell me that his heart no stand good, and to entreat me to pray for him. His language, was in effect that of the jailer"What must I do to be saved?" I pointed him to the Lamb of God, and prayed with him.

SOUTH AFRICA.

Missions of the London Missionary Society. From the Rev. J. J. Freeman, the directors of this society are receiving interesting communications descriptive of the progress of his journey through South Africa in visiting the churches. Among other interesting meetings in which Mr Freeman has taken part, he communicates the interesting fact, of his having been united with the missionary brethren of the district in the ordination of a native pastor over a native church, at the village of Tilmanton, so called, in token of the respect and esteem of the inhabitants to the Rev. Dr Tidman, the foreign secretary of the society. At the Kat River Settlement, which suffered so much from the late Caffre war, the church has again been organised, and the preaching of the gospel, as appears from a communication from the Rev. James Read, is accompanied with success in the conversion of souls, particularly among the young. One of them, Mr Read writes, said to me afterwards, “O sir, I have heard you preach many years before, but never did I hear you preach as you did that day. You told us, if we did not repent, we should all perish, which words went into my heart." Another case is that of a young female, born and brought up at this station. She was moral in her conduct, but not decidedly pious. She had been engaged to be married to a young man of similar character, wedding clothes were in readiness, and nothing remained but the publication of the banns previous to the ceremony of marriage, when she was suddenly brought under deep concern about her soul. She put off her intended union, saying, that she had another marriage contract to make before she could think of uniting herself with him. She came to me, Mr Read adds, in a flood of tears, scarcely able to speak. At last she said, "Sir, I am your child; you have

taught me, I read the bible with you, but I never thought of the truths I read. Now, when I read and understand the threatenings of God against sin and sinners, I see that I am lost without Jesus Christ, whom I wish now first to make my bridegroom, my Saviour." This revival is described as the result of special and earnest supplication for the outpouring of divine influence. At King William's Town, also, a new place of worship has been erected, and a gradual increase in the number of hearers has taken place. "On the 9th of September," says the Rev. J. Brownlee, "we had the privilege of receiving fifteen persons into church fellowship, on a profession of their faith in Christ." At Lekatlong, the Rev. H. Helmore, also announces progress. "The Sabbath congregations," he says, "are good; twenty-two candidates have been received into the church during the year." And in the same letter, he adduces the following interesting example of the elevating and improving power of christianity upon the native character. "The following anecdote," he says, "of a mother who brought her child to be baptised, is an interesting specimen of christian feeling. I asked her the name of her child; she answered Gasincha' (it is not new.) I inquired why she had given that name; she replied, The heathen reproach us for having abandoned the customs of our forefathers for a new religion; but we know that God is from everlasting. It was by him the worlds were created. It was he who sent his Son to save us. The apostles of old testified of him, and recorded his precepts and commands in the testament which we have received; and, desiring to record my faith in my Saviour and my God, I call this child Gasincha (it is not new.)""

A remark from Mrs Helmore then recalled the recollection of another christian female to a sermon which she had heard from Mr Moffat at Kuruman. She went through all the leading particulars of the sermon, and added, that she had been so much struck with it, that the next day, when she visited some heathen relatives in the neighbourhood, she repeated the discourse to them; they mocked, till, hearing dreadful cries from an adjoining house, she asked what it was; they said it was a person dying. She replied, "There is a proof of our religion; we do not die in that inanner. We do not fear death, but rejoice, because we go to our Father and our home.'

ANNUAL MEETING OF DAVIE STREET CONGREGATIONAL MISSIONARY SO

CIETY, EDINBURGH.

The annual meeting of this society, in connection with the Rev. Dr M'Crie's congregation, was held in Davie Street Church on 25th March last. The meeting was opened with prayer by Dr M'Crie. The report was read, from which it appeared that the funds collected during the bygone year, including a balance in the hands of the treasurer at last general meeting of the society, amounted to £59 2s. Of this sum there had been paid £40 in aid of the Edinburgh Irish Mission, under the superintendence of the Rev. Mr M'Menamy, and after disbursing a few incidental expenses, there remained in the hands of the treasurer, £18 13s. 1d. of a balance. From the great success the Edinburgh Irish Mission had experienced since its commencement, the society agreed to continue their support, and voted £20 for the ensuing year; also a donation of £7, in aid of the ladies' society of the congregation for the maintenance of a colporteur in France.

Mr Crawford, one of the Irish missionaries, being present, gave an animated account of the effect produced on the poor Irish by the christian instruction imparted -of the opposition they received from the priest's party, and the dangers often encountered in holding the meetings for religious exercises. The Rev. Mr Tweedie, in acknowledging the money received from the society, thus writes to Dr M'Crie,—“ In thanking you and your friends for their contributions, allow me to say, after some observation, that I do not know an opening for doing good in the highest sense of all, that promises to produce better results for the ever-needful blessing, than that now referred to. Had we funds and an agency, the time I think is full come for making a decided impression on not a few of the Irish."

The object of the Edinburgh Irish Mission, as stated in the Original Secession Magazine for March, 1849, is to teach the Irish Roman Catholics residing there to read the scriptures in their native tongue, and to instruct them in the doctrines of evangelical christianity. Such congregations or individuals as may be inclined to assist in this important and very interesting work, are respectfully solicited to send their contributions to the treasurer, Mr David Waterston, No. 12 George Street, Edinburgh.

BRITISH SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL AMONG THE JEWS.

The Eighth Anniversary Meeting of this society took place on Friday evening, at Freemason's Hall, Great Queen Street, London, and was very numerously attended. We give the following abstract of a most interesting report, which was read by the Rev. Mr Younge, the resident secretary:A change most favourable to christian effort had recently passed over the Jewish people; they were now in general possession of the New Testament, and were acquainted with its contents. An illustration

of this was lately presented by a learned rabbi, who, in contest with a Roman Catholic antagonist, met and refuted his every argument by quotations from the New Testament. But though the Jew was in a great measure free from the rabbinical usages which once closed his ear against scriptural argument and persuasion, he was yet unacquainted savingly with the truth which would alone make him free indeed. The column had been stripped of its ivy, but it was marble still; the dry bones had assumed the semblance of life, but there was no breath in them. The society's missionaries at home and abroad bore unequivocal testimony to the fact, that there was an increasing facility for the diffusion of christianity amongst the Jews, and that there were numerous believers on the Lord Jesus Christ whose faith was not yet sufficiently vigorous for open avowal. During the past year, six individuals, who had been instructed by the missionaries in this country, had been baptised, on evidence of their piety. A Jewish youth, for a short time an assistant-missionary, had gone to Australia, leaving here, among the results of his early zeal, a young man first led by him to that anxious inquiry which issued in his conversion, and he had recently been received into the college as a student. One of the missionaries told of the free access he had to Jewish families, the constant visits of inquirers to his house, the growing distaste for the Talmud, and the attendance of Jewish families with delight on the ordinances of christian worship. He told of a dying Jewess, whose spiritual interests he had watched for many months, who declared all her hope to rest on the infinite mercy of God, and the all-sufficient atonement of His Son, and who recommended to her children her bible as a more precious legacy than her property. Another missionary considered the