then in the Russian part of Armenia, and at Tebriz in Persia. These being broken up by the Russian government, their second mission was in Liberia, which was terminated by the death of nearly all the missionaries, and was given up on the arrival of labourers from North America. Last of all, they sent a mission to the Danish gold coast, which now, after the early decease of five missionaries, is going on prosperously. It consists of six missionaries, one a negro educated in Basil. In the other cantons of which we have spoken, there are not wanting signs of spiritual life, which are not a little encouraged by an annual conference of the Swiss evangelical ministers, at which reports are given in, and propositions discussed in private by the brethren. A spirit of inquiry is awakened, and the pastors are mutually strengthened and animated. Some, among whom may be mentioned particularly the well-known M. Viret at Lausanne, preach the truth with great boldness, and, it is hoped, not without fruit, to the glory of our Lord and Saviour. In Berne there are awakenings in many of the villages, and on the mountains of the Oberland. In Zurich, where the Reformation had, under Zwingli, so favourable a commencement, it is computed that of 200 ministers, not more than ten preach the gospel in its purity. CONCLUSION. I have thus travelled over the field allotted to me, very cursorily and imperfectly, considering the magnitude of the subject, but in such a manner, I trust, as to afford a correct and intelligible view of the state of evangelical religion in Switzerland in past and present times-which, let it be observed, has been the sole object of this discourse. I shall not prolong the lecture by expatiating on the various important lessons which are presented to us in the spiritual history of this singular and interesting country; but shall conclude with remarking, that in no country, and at no period in the history of the church, shall we find a more striking manifestation of the sovereignty of God in the dispensation of spiritual blessings, and a more visible display, if we may so speak, of the operation of the Holy Spirit in producing once and again those religious revivals to which our attention has been directed in the preceding pages. In contemplating these things we ought to feel, and humbly to acknowledge, our dependence and that of our fellow-men on the God of all grace for repentance and salvation, and, in fervent prayer for the free Spirit of God, to commit ourselves and them to his keeping, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. LECTURE VII. THE PAST AND PRESENT STATE OF EVANGELICAL RELIGION IN FRANCE. BY J. G. LORIMER, MINISTER OF FREE ST DAVID'S, GLASGOW. General Interest belonging to the History of France-Roman Conquest and Religion-Early Christianity-Irenæus at Lyons -Vigilantius-The Paulicians-Gotteshalcus-Claud of Turin -Piedmontese-Patarines-Peter Waldo-Crusades against the Albigenses-Proofs that the Truth was not exterminatedGeneral character of the Albigenses-Peculiarities of the French Reformation in the 16th century-Religious Wars-St Bartholomew Massacre-Comparative prosperity under the Edict of Nantes-Its Revocation-Religious decline and suffering-Revolution 1793-Revival since the Peace 1815-Labours of R. Haldane, Esq.-Dissemination of the ScripturesEvangelical Societies-Spiritual fruit at the present day— Practical lessons-Christ's faithfulness-His moral government-Duties of Christians towards France-Peculiarities of her position and prospects-Popery rising throughout the world-France its head quarters. SUCH is the subject which has been assigned me in the present course of lectures. All will at once see that it is most important and comprehensive; so much so, that I can hope to touch only the leading outlines. To an intelligent British Christian, few themes of contemplation are more interesting than the history of France. In its earlier days, prior to the introduction |