state of things now existing in England, so far as the Romanizing party is concerned, that we deem it our duty to our countrymen, and especially to all earnest Protestants, to place it before them. Let them consider it well; for its lessons cannot be too solemnly pondered :

"They became under Charles the news of every day: Protestant clergymen, in several instances, but especially women of rank, becoming proselytes to a religion so seductive to the timid reason and sensible imagination of that sex. They whose minds have never strayed into the wilderness of doubt, vainly deride such as sought out the beaten path their fathers had trodden in old times; they whose temperament gives little play to the fancy and sentiment, want power to comprehend the charm of superstitious illusions, the satisfaction of the conscience in the performance of positive rites, especially with privation or suffering, the victorious self-gratulation of faith in its triumph over reason, the romantic tenderness that loves to rely on female protection, the graceful associations of devotion, with all that the sense or the imagination can require, -the splendid vestment, the fragrant censer, the sweet sounds of choral harmony, and the sculptured form that an intense piety half endows with life. These springs were touched, as the variety of human character might require, by the skilful hands of Romish priests, chiefly Jesuits, whose numbers in England were about two hundred and fifty, concealed under a lay garb, and combining the courteous manners of gentlemen with a refined experience of mankind, and a logic in whose labyrinths the most practical reasoner was perplexed. Against these fascinating wiles the Puritans opposed other weapons, from the same armoury of human nature; they awakened the pride of reason, the stern obstinacy of dispute, the names so soothing to the ear of free inquiry and private judgment. They inspired an abhorrence of the adverse party, that served as a barrier against insidious approaches. But far different principles actuated the prevailing party in the Church of England. A change had for some years been wrought in its tenets, and still more in its sentiments, which, while it brought the whole_body into a sort of approximation to Rome, made many individuals shoot as it were from their own sphere, on coming within the stronger attraction of another.

"The charge of inclining towards popery, brought by one of our religious parties against Laud and his colleagues with invidious exaggeration, has been too indig nantly denied by another. Much, indeed, will depend on the definition of that obnoxious word; which one may restrain to

an acknowledgment of the supremacy, in faith and discipline, of the Roman see; while another comprehends in it all those tenets which were rejected as corruptions of Christianity at the Reformation; and a third may extend it to the ceremonies and ecclesiastical observances which were set aside at the same time. In this last and most enlarged sense, which the vulgar naturally adopted, it is notorious that all the innovations of the school of Laud were so many approaches, in the exterior worship of the church, to the Roman model. Pictures were set up or repaired; the communion-table took the name and position of an altar; it was sometimes made of stone; obeisances were made to it; the crucifix was sometimes placed upon it; the dress of the officiating priests became more gaudy; churches were consecrated with strange and mystical pageantry. These petty superstitions, which would of themselves have disgusted a nation accustomed to despise, as well as abhor the pompous rites of the Catholics, became more alarming from the evident bias of some leading Churchmen to parts of Romish theology. The doctrine of a real presence, distinguishable only by vagueness of definition from that of the Church of Rome, was generally held. Montagu, already so conspicuous, and justly reckoned the chief of the Romanizing faction, went a considerable length towards admitting the invocation of saints; prayers for the dead, which lead at once to the tenet of purgatory, were vindicated by many; in fact, there was hardly any distinctive opinion of the Church of Rome, which had not its abettors among the bishops, or those who wrote under them. The practice of auricular confession, which an aspiring clergy must so deeply regret, was frequently inculcated as a duty. And Laud gave just offence by a public declaration, that in the disposal of benefices, he should, in equal degrees of merit, prefer single before married priests. They incurred scarcely less odium by their dislike of the Calvinistic system, and by what ardent men construed into a dereliction of the Protestant cause, a more reasonable, and less dangerous theory on the nature and reward of human virtue, than that which the fanatical and presumptuous spirit of Luther had held forth as the most fundamental principle of his Reformation. "It must be confessed that these English theologians were less favourable to the papal supremacy than to most other distinguishing tenets of the Catholic Church. Yet even this they were inclined to admit in a considerable degree, as a matter of positive, though not Divine, institution; content to make the doctrine and discipline of the fifth century the rule of their bastard reform. An extreme reverence for

what they called the primitive church had been the source of their errors. The first reformers had paid little regard to that authority. But as learning, by which was then meant an acquaintance with ecclesiastical antiquity, grew more general in the church, it gradually inspired more respect for itself; and men's judgment in matters of religion came to be measured by the quantity of their erudition. The sentence of the early writers, including the fifth, and perhaps sixth centuries, if it did not pass for infallible, was of prodigious weight in controversy. No one in the English church seems to have contributed so much towards this relapse into superstition as Andrews, Bishop of Winchester, a man of eminent learning in this kind, who may be reckoned the founder of the school, wherein Laud was the most prominent disciple."

The following remarks, from the Rev. E. B. Elliott's "Commentary on the Apocalypse," ought to be prayerfully regarded by all Churchmen not entangled in the meshes of Tractarianism:

"Has not prophecy a voice to us as a church? I speak of the church established by God's gracious providence in this kingdom. May we not, from that holy prophecy that we have been considering, infer it to be its paramount duty, wisdom, and even safety, to hold fast the pure and scriptural doctrine on which it was founded at the Reformation; and to eschew and repudiate not the principles of direct Popery only-or even of the modern Tractarian semi-Popery-which is but in truth that old original apostasy revivified, to which, in due time, as we have seen, and through Satanic influence, Rome did but furnish the fitting headship-but also of every modification of the same, which may seek to make religion a thing ecclesiastical rather than a thing personal and spiritual, and to interpose the church, with its priesthood, and services, and sacraments, between Christ and the soul, instead of asserting it as their one grand prerogative and office to direct the soul to Christ? Surely it is a strange misnomer to call this system, as with laudatory title, High Church, and decry the opposite system by the intended vituperative title of Low Church!

"The true Low Churchmen seem to me they who fashion their beau-ideal of an ecclesiastical system, simply, or chiefly with reference to an earthly church, and its human administrators and administration. The true High Churchmen seem to be they, the church of whose chief affections and thoughts is the Jerusalem above; its headChrist; its home-heaven; and with this our earth as but the scene of its preparatory formation and trial, where its members, scattered everywhere through the visible church, known to God, but often unknown

to men, are, by the common principle of union with Christ, their invisible Head, united with each other, and united also with those of the same body that may have already passed into Paradise: that church, which St. Paul's glowing eloquence set forth to the Hebrew Christians,- The church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven;' the blessed Company of all faithful people; that Church, the gathering of whose members out of an evil world, and their nourishing, strengthening, and edification, is the great object of all earthly and visible orthodox churches, with all their admirable and divinely-appointed instrumentalities and means of grace."

RAGGED-SCHOOLS.

THE annual report of these Institutions, just published, is a very interesting document. When, but a few years since, a little circle of benevolent individuals began to move in this good cause, they little imagined either that the evil was so great with which they had to contend, or that their efforts would be so soon and so largely crowned with the Divine blessing. The facts elicited by this peculiar effort of Christian zeal and philanthropy are of a truly awakening character. In the metropolis alone it is computed, on good authority, that, previously to the existence of the Ragged-schools, there were one hundred thousand young people growing up in vagrancy and crime. It seemed almost a hopeless task to undertake, by Sundayschool efforts, the reformation of young thieves and beggars. But the result has proved that there is no train of moral evils beyond the reach of Christian means, when vigorously applied. In London and the provinces there are now, at least, 44 Raggedschools, with an average attendance of 4,776 pupils, and 450 teachers: 16 of these are open daily, morning and afternoon, with paid teachers to conduct them; 31 are open from three to five evenings in the week; while 33 are open on the Sabbath, with voluntary and pious teachers to conduct them. This makes, in all, 80 schools; but as they are conducted only in 44 buildings, the committee have thought it best to return them only as 44 schools.

There is no effort of the day more deserving of support than this. The sacrifice and self-denial which it requires on the part of those who undertake the responsibility of it, is only equalled by the pleasing reformations which it has been the means of effecting. In some parts of the metropolis the moral aspects of a neighbourhood have been obviously changed, by the establishment of the Ragged-school; and youths,

who seemed beyond the reach of moral | means, have sobered down into decent and promising members of society. We heartily wish the cause success. Let those who feel for the miseries and vices of the neglected poor visit some Ragged-school, and their pecuniary and other aid will thereby be secured.

COVERDALE CHAPEL, ROMFORD, ESSEX.

THE above-named place of worship was opened on Nov. 9th, when an admirable sermon was delivered in the morning, by the Rev. R. Bowman, of Chelmsford. In the afternoon, the Rev. Joseph Morison,jun. was ordained to the pastorate of the church and congregation, which for some months have worshipped in the Corn Exchange. The introductory discourse, by the Rev. R. Burls, of Maldon, the ordination prayer, by the Rev. Joseph Gray, of Chelmsford, and the charge, by the Rev. Joseph Morison, of

Stebbing, were productive of salutary influence upon those who heard them. In the evening, the Rev. John Blackburn, of London, addressed some most excellent counsels to the newly-organized flock. Many ministers were present, and aided in the engagements of the day. A hallowed influence pervaded the whole of the religious exercises, and all seemed to feel that it was good to be there. The new place of worship has resulted from an effort originated by the Essex Congregational Union, for the benefit of a large but almost heathenishly ungodly town. Present prospects

are cheering, and decisive evidences of the power of the gospel to produce a vital change are not wanting. The building contains provision for the contemplated commencement of a day-school, under the auspices of the Essex Educational Committee. To Messrs. Dixon, of Stebbing, and Wells and Perry, of Chelmsford, the friends at Romford are much indebted, for their exertions to erect the chapel and school-room.

AN APPEAL TO THE PASTORS OF OUR CHURCHES ON BEHALF OF THE INSTITUTION FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF MISSIONARIES.

DEAR BRETHREN,-In the present day of enlarged effort in every department of benevolence, and when few days pass without some appeal for pecuniary aid, it is not a matter of surprise that even the most liberal should sometimes be tempted to grow weary in well-doing. It may perhaps tend in some measure to obviate such feelings, if, to take the lowest view of the subject, we regard these demands on our purses as the light burden imposed upon our Christian profession in the place of those severer tests which proved the sincerity of our forefathers.

Imprisonment and death were the not unfrequent results of their profession, while they were enabled "to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods." We live in peaceful security from all such sufferings; but while our goods are preserved to us from the hands of violence and persecution, it is not that we may sit down in selfish enjoyment, but rather that we may manifest by untiring liberality our discipleship to Him, "who, though he was rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich." It is, of course, impossible that all can contribute to every appeal, even of which they admit the importance: the

difficulty often is wisely to discriminate: only let there be first the ready mind, and the abiding conviction that "it is more blessed to give than to receive," and it is accepted by Him whose are the silver and the gold, "according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not."

Following out these thoughts, it appears to us that there is one Institution but little comparatively known, and which yet has peculiar claims on the sympathy of Christians, and which especially comes within the scope of the blessing, "Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these, ye did it unto me:"-we refer to the school for missionaries' daughters, established at Walthamstow.

About nine years since, some ladies to whom Christ was precious, and his cause and servants dear, commenced this undertaking in the hope of relieving, in some measure, the anxieties and difficulties of those devoted agents of our several Missionary Societies, who in distant heathen lands were bearing the burden and heat of the day. The design then was, and still is, to receive, "without any restriction as to sect or denomination, those children, regard to whose physical and moral state render it absolutely incumbent on their parents, though at a painful sacrifice of feeling, to send them to the purer and more healthful atmosphere of their own

native land." Such children arrived in this country, and there was no home to receive them. Often it was found that the near relations of the absent missionary had died, or they were unable to take charge of his children, and but few friends would or could burden themselves with the responsibility of the little strangers. Then the means of the missionary seldom could avail to obtain for his child a really good school, and, even where this was practicable, the holidays, sickness, and home advantages remained to be provided for. To meet these difficulties, the present institution was founded, where the amount of payment required is such as all missionaries can meet, and where the advantages of school, and the social enjoyments of home, are carefully sought to be combined. The children are not required simply to pass the usual routine of ordinary education, but in each case the character, abilities, and probable future circumstances and destination of the child are taken into consideration, and the course of training adapted to them. It has been most encouraging to those friends who are devoted to this work of love to receive from time to time the most gratifying assurances from the parents of those confided to their care, of the delightful relief which has thus been afforded to their minds, by enabling them to labour in their distant spheres of exertion, comparatively free from carefulness as regards their dear children; while the results already manifested in many of their youthful charge, enable the Committee to rejoice in the happy conviction that their labour has not been in vain in the Lord. Some of these have now returned to aid their parents in missionary work; others have married in those distant lands, and are filling stations of considerable influence, on which their consistent Christian profession sheds a bright and hallowed light; while others, still under the fostering wing of the Institution, give cheering promise for the future.

A considerable amount of kind interest has been already shown by many friends before whose notice these circumstances have been placed; but its claims are yet made known only to a limited extent, and a decided increase in the annual subscriptions is still necessary to meet its regular and necessary expenditure. This entails constant anxiety and effort on the part of those most interested in its welfare; and it is earnestly hoped that this appeal will enlist the sympathies of many on its behalf, so that a stability may be given to its funds, which they have not yet attained.

It would not, perhaps, be impracticable to find in almost every congregation throughout the country two ladies or young friends who, under the kind encouragement

of the minister, might be able to collect annually in small sums, according to the size and ability of the congregation, from one to five pounds, or in some cases even more. This would not only be a most material aid to the funds, but it would create a much more general and widelyextended interest regarding an Institution whose claims are not local, but equally pressing on all those who cherish the cause of missions.

The Committee will be most grateful to hear as early as possible from any who may be disposed to make a favourable response to this appeal.

JOHN CAMPBELL, Tabernacle House.
A. F. Cox, Hackney.

JOHN MORISON, Brompton.
JAMES SHERMAN, Surrey Chapel.
EUSTACE CAREY, Camden Town.
MACHRAY, Walthamstow.

JAMES LEGGE, President of the Hong Kong Theological Seminary. *Communications may be addressed to Mrs. EUSTACE CAREY, 3, Eastcott-place, Ferdinand-street, Camden-town; or to Mrs. FOULGER, Walthamstow, Essex.

N.B. One church in London and a few in the country have acted on this plan, and find it both pleasant and practicable.

MEDICAL MISSIONS TO HEATHEN AND OTHER UNENLIGHTENED COUNTRIES.

DEAR SIR,-Will you allow me to bring before the notice of your readers the present condition and urgent claims of the British Dispensary at Damascus, now under the superintendence of Dr. James B. Thompson? In Syria, as in China, the practice of medicine seems the most likely, and indeed almost the only way, to prepare the way for the introduction of Evangelical Christianity.

Infanticide, abortion, and many other deplorable evils are common in Syria, but the influence of the Christian physician has been already effectual in repressing them to some degree.

Dr. Thompson went to Damascus in the year 1844, to succeed Dr. Kerns, who formerly laboured there; and during the three years that have intervened, about 28,000 people, of all sects and classes, have derived benefit from the mission there, and much has been done to remove fanaticism.

Unfortunately the funds are in so low a state, that but for £31 which I have been the means of collecting, the Committee of the Ladies' Benevolent Society for Syria and the Holy Land would have been dissolved two months ago,-and now they fear that their feeble efforts will be sustained for a very brief period of time longer."

As so much good has been, and is being done by this Dispensary, and as it is the only institute of the kind in Syria, its dissolution would be a sad blow to the prospects of true Christianity there. Having been at Damascus a year ago, I can speak as to the very deserving nature of the case, as well as to the interest taken in it by the natives generally, of all classes and of all creeds.

One day, when I was with Dr. Thompson, a number of Bedouins came in from the desert, two or three of whom shook him most warmly by the hand, thanking him for the benefit which they had derived from his attentions.

There is no building appropriated for the accommodation of patients, as the funds are far more than absorbed in the mere purchase of medicines. Dr. Thompson says, "No one can have any conception of the amount of medicine these people require. the daily number of applicants for it varying from thirty to eighty."

In a letter to a member of the Ladies' Committee in London, who support the institution, Dr. Thompson says,-"I believe all who know the East, and particularly Syria, will freely admit that it is only through medical agency that a change in their religious views can be effected; but even a medical man must work for years among them:-first acquire their language and confidence; and I believe I am not too sanguine, that then, by cautious and judicious steps, he may and will do more than pure missionaries can expect to accomplish for a quarter of a century to come. It is only at the bedside of a sick person, where are always assembled all the friends of the patient, that a medical man can do the good work, and where he may do so with impunity, especially if there be a slight prospect of recovery. The most fanatical, I have found, raise no objections, under such circumstances, even, strange to say, among the Moslems."

In a letter to myself, dated November 4th, 1847, Dr. Thompson says: "The medical missionary is, as in my own case, idolized, and looked upon as a kind of deity, sent by God Almighty to reside amongst them."

Such being the case, there is much to hope, not only for the introduction of the enlightened practice of medicine, but for the entrance of the gospel. China and Chinese medical missions absorb so much of the attention of the Christian Church just now, that poor Syria is in danger of remaining hopelessly in the shade.

Commending this very deserving and pressing case to the candid consideration of your readers, I beg to subscribe myself, A FRIEND TO MEDICAL MISSIONS.

He

The physican has free access to the Moslem harems and the leper asylums. visits on the average from six to eight persons daily, besides the scores and sometimes hundreds that apply to him at the dispensary. He has access to the Jewish school, which contains 800 pupils, where he has met with a great deal of disease. The former master has become a Christian, partly, I believe, through his instrumentality.

The Irish Presbyterian mission has been for some time almost at a stand-still, owing to the intense bigotry of the rival sects; but the medical mission commends itself to all parties, and smooths down the most bitter prejudices.

Donations or Subscriptions towards the Damascus Dispensary will be received by Miss E. M. Lloyd, Secretary to "The Ladies' Benevolent Association for Syria and the Holy Land;" also by Messrs. Partridge and Oakey, and by Ward and Co., Paternoster-row.

OUR information respecting our medical missions in China enable us to confirm the statements of Dr. Thompson, at least so far as access to the minds of certain Chinamen is concerned.

We hope that medical missions among the heathen will be increasingly encou raged.