parts which remained the freest from the general infection were Savoy, Piedmont, and the southern parts of France, which were afterwards the nurseries of the Waldenses and Albigenses, nor is it less memorable, that on every approach of the Saracens thereunto they were defeated by the famous Charles Martel. They were not allowed to kill men. It has been justly observed, "The Saracens were not able to kill the Christian empire." exhibits its most astonishing power: and every return of this sacred festival seems to surpass the previous anniversary, demonstrating that its beautiful fruits have arisen from the seed of the Spirit of God. A brief notice of the principal institutions, as the custom has been in previous years, shall now enrich the pages of the Christian's Penny Magazine; and while we are thus led to contemplate the active zeal -the increasing liberality-the deepening pietyand increasing charity of Christians of different denominations-every serious reader must be constrained to pray for as he anticipates the fulfilment of all the gracious predictions of the Holy Scriptures, and to desire more ardently that "the kingdoms of this world may soon become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ." SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIETY. The jubilee of this Society, being its fiftieth anniversary, was held April 27, in Exeter Hall. Thomas Wilson, Esq. in the absence of the Marquis of Cholmondeley, who was prevented by indisposition, took the chair. In the successive woes of the trumpet related in this chapter, the successive periods of the Saracenic empire have been computed by Mr. Faber and Mr. Foster, and the dates chronologically ascertained. As regards the ultimate termination of Mahometanism, Mr. Faber has also remarked, that "since the middle of the 17th century, the empire of the crescent has been every where on the wane." Among the greater number of those Asiatic territories over which it once boasted of an absolute sway, the secular power is declining in vigour and influence, and a correspondent relaxation in the strength and spirit of its religion is perceptible. The city of Mecca is represented in some recent accounts to be fast sinking into ruin. The annual decrease in the The secretary having read a pleasing report of number of its pilgrims is peculiar, and the popula-the past year, the meeting was addressed by Rev. tion once of 100,000, is now estimated at only 18,000 souls. The Mahometans in general, have relaxed in their zeal for proselytism; and the Bedoueens are said to be "as licentious in their religion as in their politics." In Persia, where Mahometanism is practised, its influence is less powerful over the mass of the population than in Turkey. In India it is in a declining state; its energies are impaired; its enthusiastic ambition nearly extinct; and its ceremonies gradually falling into disuse. In this assemblage of facts I see the portentous demolition of the Arabian imposture decreed. The present history and fate of the Mahometan power, offer an exact counterpart of the hereinbefore recited professedly prophetic delineation. And therefore, while in the actual state of the world, there is not wanting subsisting evidence of the germinating fulfilment of prophecy, let us take heed unto that sure Word which shineth as a lamp in a dark place; and in our supplications for others, let us beseech the God of mercy, that those of our fellow-creatures who in life and death are blending an eternal truth with an imposing delusion, perpetually exclaiming, "There is one God, and Mahomet is his prophet,' may learn the grace and spirit of the Gospel, and realize to their eternal salvation, that "There is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus." RALPH. PUBLIC MEETINGS IN LONDON. APRIL-MAY. GREAT Britain is pre-eminently distinguished for every thing which can dignify, adorn, and bless its Christian population. Science, art, commerce, and improvement are sanctified by Divine revelation, and its glorious and blessed light inculcates the importance, the necessity, and the holiness of civil and religious liberty. Under the venerable shade of the British constitution, whose deep and lasting foundations have been laid and cemented by the labours of patriots, the prayers of Christians, the fortitude of confessors, and the blood of martyrs, Institutions, whose benevolent agency embraces the whole human family have been formed and flourished-and their sacred and inspiring anniversaries have, for nearly half a century, added interest and loveliness to the delightful month of May. Christian zeal at this lovely season of the year J. Haselgrove, of St. Peter's, Manchester, Rev. N. M. Harry, of London, Gutteridge, Esq., one of the founders of the institution, W. Lloyd, Esq., Professor Hoppus of the London University, Rev. Mr. Thompson, Mr. Wilson, travelling agent of the Sunday-school Union, T. Thompson, Esq. treasurer of the Home Missionary Society, and Mr. Slattery. Mr. Gutteridge gave an interesting statement of the origin and progress of this good institution. LORD'S DAY SOCIETY. The Society for Promoting the Better Observance of the Lord's Day, held its general meeting on Friday, April 29, in Exeter Hall. The Bishop of London in the chair. The Rev. Mr. Sims read prayers; and after some observations from the right reverend chairman, that gentleman read an interesting report, from which we give the following: it stated that last year, of 3000 coaches, 1,633 were licensed to run on the Lord's day; and this year, of 2,950, 1,521 were licensed to run on Sunday, which would show that 8,294 journeys took place by stage coaches, exclusive of those made by cabriolets and coaches. The pestilence of newspapers was spreading considerably on the Lord's day; but it was grateful to have to state, that Sabbath Observance Societies were much on the increase. In France, great activity prevailed; and to the Wesleyan Methodists, and the Calvinist Methodists in Wales, the Society owed a debt of gratitude. They had circulated 113,250 of their own tracts, and 15,000 copies of the evidence given before the Sabbath committee. In the last year they had received 812. 14s. 94d., and expended 7401.28.3 d., leaving a balance in hand of 72/. 12s. 6d.; but the Society was under engagements for 3631. The report recommended the appointment of a salaried agent to reside in London. Sir O. Mosley, Bart, M.P., Rev. Dr. Dealtry, W. Roberts, Esq., Rev. G. Cubitt, Bishop of Chester, Rev. C. Benson, J. Hardy, Esq., M.P., Rev. Mr. Stewart, and Sir A. Agnew, Bart, M.P., severally addressed the meeting. SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. This useful institution held its annual meeting on Friday, April 29, in the large room, Freemason's Hall, Great Queen-street. Sir G. Chetwynd, Bart. in the absence of the Earl of Carnarvon, took the chair on the occasion. The chairman, Lord Dudley Stuart, Rev. Dr. Styles, Rev. Mr. Hatch, G. Ray. mond, Esq., T. Bulty, Esq., J. G. Meymott, Esq., and M. Goldsmid, Esq., severally addressed the meeting; and a liberal subscription was made in aid of the objects of the institution. WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The annual meeting of this great Society was held in Exeter Hall, on Monday, May 2. Sir Oswald Mosley, Bart., M.P. in the chair. Prayer was offered by the Rev. R. Newton. The Rev. Dr. Bunting read an abstract of the report of proceedings during the past year, furnishing an encouraging view of the Society's missions in various parts of the world. The stations occupied were 173; the number of missionaries employed about 290, thirty of whom had been sent out since the last anniversary, and seven had returned to foreign labour after a temporary visit to this country. Of this number, about eighty were in the West Indian colonies. The total number of communicants was 54,226, being an increase during the past year of 5,922. This total did not include the recent increase in Jamaica, nor yet the number in society on the missions in Ireland. The return of children and adults in the mission schools was 43,692, being an increase of 5,727 during the year. The total receipts were about 65,000l., the expenditure exceeded the income by about 3000/. Sir A. Agnew, Bart. M.P., J. Hardy, Esq. M.P., E. Baines, Esq., M.P., Col. Conolly, M.P., the Rev T. Waugh of Belfast, A. Johnston, Esq., M.P., Capt. Pakenham, the Rev. W. Shaw from Caffraria, the Rev. Dr. J. Pye Smith, the Rev. W. Thompson of St. Barnabas church, J. Heald, Esq. of Stockport, the Rev. R. Newton, J. Farmer, Esq., the Rev. T. Lessey, the Rev. E. Ryerson of Upper Canada, Mr. Wood of Manchester, Sir W. Ellis, Mr. Alderman Scarth, and the Rev. Mr. Wood, severally addressed the meeting, which was prolonged to about six hours. Dr. Bunting announced the amount of collection at this meeting, which, including a cheque for 1000. from Crowther, Esq., near Leeds, and a donation from J. Farmer, Esq. of 500l. amounted to 1,8611. 78. 6d. CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTION SOCIETY. The London Christian Instruction Society held their eleventh annual meeting at Finsbury chapel, on Tuesday evening, May 3, J. Labouchere, Esq. in the chair. The Rev. J. Dyer having implored the Divine blessing, after some remarks from the pious chairman, the Rev. J. Blackburn read the report. This interesting document stated, that in connexion with the Society, there were 82 associations, with 1,862 gratuitous visitors, having under their care 46,938 families, and holding 115 prayermeetings; being an increase of seven associations, 232 visitors, 5,759 families, and 24 prayer-meetings, during the last twelve months. Within the same period 766 copies of the Holy Scriptures had been circulated; 1,814 cases of temporal distress had been relieved, and 3,572 children had been obtained for Sabbath and day schools. The local prayermeetings, preaching stations, and schools, had been increased from 91 to 115. Mr. Pitman read the treasurer's accounts, from which it appeared that the balance due to the treasurer last year was 1087, 3s. 9d.: the income of the Society amounted to 1,0611. 17s. 9d.; the expenditure to 1,0457. 19s. 4d.; reducing the debt due to the treasurer to 92l. 5s. 4d. Rev. A. Tidman of London, Rev. R. W. Hamilton of Leeds, Rev. Dr. Cox of Hackney, C. Lushington, Esq. M.P. Rev. J. Young, London, Rev. T. Smith of Sheffield, Rev. G. Clayton, and Mr. Pitman, severally addressed the meeting. Rev. A. Tidman's statement and appeal on the necessity and utility of the Society, and Rev. J. Young's defence of open-air preaching, were most powerful and impressive. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. This most valuable institution held its thirty-third anniversary meeting, at Exeter Hall, on Thursday, May 5. At an early hour the great room was com pletely filled. E. Baines, Esq. M.P., took the chair, when the business was commenced by singing and prayer. Earl Roden, who had sent to the meeting his cheque for 10. apologizing for his inability to preside, entered the hall at an early stage of the proceedings. Mr. W. F. Lloyd read the report, which detailed the important operations of the Society, especially in the West Indies. With regard to home proceedings, sixteen grants had been made, amounting to 2951. towards the erection of schools. The travelling agent during the year, had visited twenty societies and formed seven unions. The home grants during the year amounted to 72. 3s. 8d.; the colonial grants to 301. 4s. Id.; and the cash grants to 55. A summary of the returns of the four London auxiliaries presented 551 schools, 7,866 teachers, 80,631 scholars; being an increase on the last year of 17 schools, 245 teachers, and 1,927 scholars. The bene. volent fund account showed the income of the year to be 676/. 19s. 1d.; the expenditure 542/. 19s. 114d.; leaving a balance in hand of 1331. 19s. 10d. In these sums, the greatly increasing trade account of the Society was not included. Earl Roden, Rev. A. Tidman, Rev. J. Leifchild, Rev. C. Stovel, Rev. Dr. Morison, Rev. W. Thompson of St. Barnabas church, Rev. J. P. Haswell, Rev. W. Beale, W. B. Gurney, Esq., and Mr. Lloyd, successively addressed the meeting. The spirit-stirring appeals of several of the speakers, particu larly Earl Roden, Rev. Messrs. Tidman, Stovel, Leifchild, and Dr. Morison, produced a powerful effect upon the vast assembly, rendering this, perhaps, the most interesting of all the meetings of the Sundayschool Union. BRITISH AND FOREIGN SAILOR'S SOCIETY. This great and useful institution held its annual meeting at the City of London Tavern, on Thursday evening, May 5, Lord Mount Sandford, president, in the chair. The Rev. J. Upton having offered prayer, his lordship called upon the secretary, Rev. T. Timpson, to read the report of the past year. This interesting document brought before the meeting the neglected condition of our merchant seamen, amounting, in the aggregate, including fishermen of all classes, to at least 250,000 souls. The chief scene of the Society's operations is the port of London, as upwards of 15,000 ships with 150,000 sailors visit it annually; of whom there is an average constantly residing in port of about 20,000 sailors with 2000 ships. Besides the services at the sailor's chapel, the Society carries on a series of meetings on board ships, in which sixteen religious services are held weekly; and thus the Gospel is carried to thousands afloat by twelve agents of the Society, four of whom are ordained ministers. Capt. Prym, the Thames missionary, visited 7000 ships in the port during the last year, conversing with the sailors and supplying them with religious tracts, preparing for meetings in the evenings on board. The Rev. J. Upton prosecutes a similar plan at Blackwall, and the East and West India docks. The Society has salaried agents in the ports of Sunderland, North Shields, South Shields, Scilly Isles, Dublin, Belfast, and the Exe; and grants have been made to Deal, Ramsgate, Yarmouth, Gorlestone, Clovelly, &c. Ship loan libraries have been furnished to forty-six vessels during the year; besides 864 volumes on loan to sailors. The Society has foreign agents at Memel, Berbice, Jamaica, Belize, New South Wales, Tahiti, and Navigator's Islands. It distributed during the year, about 150 Bibles, 4000 bound books, 12,000 pamphlets, and 100,000 tracts. G. F. Angas, Esq. treasurer, read the cash ac count. The expenditure of the year was 1,940 14 33 1,924 15 1 Balance due to treasurer 15 19 2 The meeting was addressed by Rev. W. Rooker of Tavistock, Rev. W. Blood of Carlow, Ireland, Rev. J. Clayton, Rev. R. Carr, of Sunderland, Lieut. Fabian, R.N. John Walsh, a Bethel sailor, Rev. G. Evans, Mr. Maddox, Rev. J. Williams, from the South Seas, his excellency Capt. Hindmarsh, R.N., governor of New South Australia, and G. F. Angas, Esq. The interesting meeting was closed by singing the Doxology. RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY. This invaluable Society held its thirty-seventh annual meeting on Friday, May 6, in the large room of Exeter Hall, which was quite filled. Marquis Cholmondeley sent an apology for his inability to attend the meeting, with a cheque for 10., and the chair was taken by S. Hoare, Esq., the treasurer. Rev. R. W. Sibthorpe opened the business of the meeting by prayer, when, after some observations congratulating the Society on its prosperity and prospects, the report was read by Mr. Jones, one of the secretaries. Truly gigantic are the operations of this efficient institution; and the details of the report were most encouraging in relation to every part of the world except Madagascar and China. In reference to domestic proceedings, it was stated that 193 new publications had been issued within the year. The number of publications circulated by the Society in the past year amounted to 15,914,143; and the total circulation of the Society, in more than eighty languages, had been about 235 millions. Several new auxiliaries were reported; and the total receipts of the Society by sales, subscriptions, and donations, had been 63,0341. 13s. 8d.; being an increase over the past year of 6,708/. 6s. 10d. Rev. Mr. Grimshaw of Burton, Northamptonshire, Rev. Dr. Burder, Hon. and Rev. W. B. Noel, Rev. H. Townly, Rev. H. Stowell, Rev. W. Jackson, representative of the American Tract Society, Rev. J. Cumming, Rev. Dr. Cox, Rev. R. W. Sibthorpe, and Rev. F. Cunningham, successively addressed the meeting with much effect, evidently producing a salutary impression on the minds of all assembled. So numerous was the attendance on this occasion, that it was soon found necessary to open the lower hall, which was also soon filled. George Stokes, Esq. was called to the chair, when this assembly was addressed by Rev. J. Haselgrove, Rev. P. Roe, Rev. Mr. Wild, Rev. A. S. Thelwall, Rev. J. Clayton, Rev. Dr. Morison, Rev. J. Williams, and Mr. W. F. Lloyd. REVIEW. The Holy Bible, according to the authorized Version, containing the Old and New Testaments: with Original Notes and Pictorial Illustrations. Part I. imperial 8vo. sewed, pp. 96. London: C. Knight, Ludgate-street. "PICTORIAL illustrations" of the Scriptures abounded in Coverdale's first printed English Bible. Similar means were adopted by the publishers of other early editions and translations of the Bible, both in England and on the Continent of Europe. Many will doubtless think this kind of ornament unnecessary to promote the spiritual edification of readers, who are chiefly intent on their growth in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; but even those of the most elevated piety may gain much for their advancement in holiness from such a work as this Pictorial Bible. We know not the responsible editor of this work; but it appears to have been done so far with great judgment, and no small share of information on the part of the "several persons by whom the notes are written." While it avoids doctrinal discussion, and limits its design simply to illustration, it cannot fail to be highly acceptable to the families of all denominations of Christians. The engravings are very numerous in this first part, and generally executed with great ability, and well adapted to illustrate the manners and customs of the ancient nations, especially of the Hebrews. Short Sermons to Children. By the Rev. ALEXANDER FLETCHER, Minister of Finsbury Chapel, Moorgate. Third Edition, cloth, 18mo. pp. viii.-139. London: Ward and Co. "PRESENTING divine truths in a dress adapted to the tender capacities and volatile minds of children," is, we agree with Mr. Fletcher, "a most difficult matter to accomplish." But for "this lovely description of philanthropy," the author of these sermons possesses very peculiar talents. We recollect hearing him preach to about 5000 Sunday scholars, one Christmas day, some years ago, and the volatile minds of all appeared engaged, and their attention secured for the greater part of an hour, and so far interested in the discourse as to undergo at its close a lengthened examination on what they had been hearing, hundreds of them giving intelligent and appropriate answers to the various questions proposed on each part of the sermon. The sixteen sermons in this little volume are worthy of the reputation of Mr. Fletcher as a preacher to Sunday-school children; and we sincerely hope, as we confidently believe, that this choice little work will be possessed generally by pious parents, and in every Sunday-school in Great Britain. THE GRAVE. A POEM. "O Grave where is thy Victory ?" THERE is a calm for those who weep, A rest for weary pilgrims found; They softly lie, and sweetly sleep. Low in the ground. The storm that wrecks the winter sky, No more disturbs their deep repose, Than summer evening's latest sigh That shuts the rose. I long to lay this painful head, For misery stole me at my birth Take home thy child. Hark! a strange sound affrights mine ear, The grave that never spake before, Be silent pride. "In woman hast thou placed thy bliss? "And did the fair one faithless prove? "Hath she betrayed thee with a kiss, "And sold thy love? "Live, 'twas a false bewildering fire; "Too often love's insidious dart "Thrills the fond soul with sweet desire, "But kills the heart. "A nobler flame shall warm thy breast, "Whate'er thy lot, whoe'er thou be, 66 "A bruised reed he will not break, "Afflictions all his children feel; "He wounds them for his mercy's sake, "He wounds to heal. "Humbled beneath his mighty hand, Now traveller, in the vale of tears Through time's dark wilderness of years There is a calm for those who weep, A rest for weary pilgrims found, The soul of origin divine, REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAY. Rejoice ye ransom'd mortals, For you he ope'd heaven's portals; Extol his love so glorious, Laud, laud, the Saviour's name! His blood our pardon bought! Now sons and heirs created, Delightful cheering thought! Rejoice, rejoice, in Jesus, "Salvation" be your song; Emanuel ne'er will leave us, In Christ the Lord be strong! W. R. S. London: Printed by JAMES S. HODSON, at his residence, No. 15, Cross Street, Hatton Garden, and Published by him at 112, Fleet Street; where all communications for the Editor (post paid) are to be addressed; sold also by Simpkin, Marshall, and Co., and by all other Booksellers, Newsvenders, &e. in the KingThe trade may be supplied in London, by STEILL, Paternoster Row; BERGER, Holywell Street, Strand; in Manchester, by Ellerby: Shefeld, Innocent; Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Finlay and Charlton. dom. THE NOTICES OF THE RIVER THAMES. GREAT BRITAIN is distinguished by the bounties of Divine Providence, in many respects far more than any other country upon earth. Several counties in this grand division of the earth possess some superior advantages; but the temperature of its climate -the richness of its soil-the abundance of its timber,-the prodigious wealth of its mines-the extent of its sea-coasts-and the comparative magnitude of its rivers-unite to render it the most highly favoured country in Europe. And these natural advantages, crowned with the blessings of civil and religious liberty in a large degree, through the knowlege of the Holy Scriptures, render Great Britain the most favoured country upon earth. Among the numerous rivers with which the British isles are intersected and watered, the chief is the majestic Thames. Rising near the very heart of the country, and rolling its silvery streams through several counties, after a course of upwards of 200 miles, it enters a part of the British channel most convenient for trading with the mightiest countries of Europe, and even with Africa and America. Those who have never beheld the wonderful scenes presented by the "forest of shipping" in the port of London, amounting to upwards of 2000 sail of vessels, besides upwards of 5000 barges, lighters, and wherries, can form but an imperfect idea of the vast amount of wealth borne upon the bosom of this river; and those who are unacquainted with the VOL. V. extent of trade carried on by means of the shipping, docks, and wharfs, can have but an inadequate impression of the importance of the Thames. "It has been computed, that the total amount of property shipped and unshipped in the port of London in one year, amounts to nearly 70,000,000l.; and there are employed in the exports and imports, about 4000 ships; and not less than 15000 cargoes annually enter the port. On an average there are 2000 ships in the river and docks, together with 3000 barges and other small craft, employed in lading and unlading them. There are also about 2300 wherries and small boats for passengers. In navigating the wherries and craft 8000 watermen gain a livelihood; and 4000 labourers are employed in assisting in the lading and unlading the ships, besides the crews of the vessels; and 1200 revenue officers are constantly doing duty in the port of London." The mercantile importance, therefore, of this noble stream is far greater than that of any other river in the world: its merchantmen visit the most distant parts of the globe; and the productions of every soil, and of every clime, are wafted upon its bosom, to answer the extraordinary demands of British commerce. The frozen shores of the Baltic and North America, the sultry regions of both the East and West Indies, and the arid coasts of Africa, have alike resounded with its name; and there is not a single country, perhaps, but what has been visited by its sails. |