and of pious and judicious Churchmen, we have no overwhelming fears on account of the inconsiderate efforts of a comparatively small number of partizans, who do not speak the language of their respective brethren. With regard to the Clergy we know this to be the fact; and with regard to the Dissenters we have reason to believe that the unhallowed hostility of late shewn to the Church of England is creating for her not a few new friends in the opposing ranks, and that many, who once hastily thought National Church Establishments unlawful or unnecessary, have been led by the late discussions to consider the question, and have come to conclusions the very opposite of their first impressions.

With regard to the conduct of our own labours, in reference to these and other matters, we purpose, by the blessing of God, continuing our wonted course; endeavouring to support what we believe to be right, but not apologizing for what is wrong; and if for many years our duty has appeared to us to be rather on the side of the reform of abuses, not less zealous shall we be in buttressing than in amending, in defending the walls than in repairing their breaches. We are to our inmost hearts friends of the Church of England: we believe her to be the most Scriptural Church in all Christendom, and the chief instrument in the hands of God for the spiritual welfare of our land: and if this conviction has made us anxious for her purification, wherever she needed it, no less will it operate in making us zealous in her defence against those who would compass her ruin.

We may say the same of many other of our national institutions. They may require reform; but in this day of restless change every friend of his country ought to beware that the good be not plucked up with what is evil, and that the axe be not used, instead of the pruning-knife.

Of our efforts during the past year it is rather for our readers to judge, than for us to speak. It has been our duty to address ourselves to many subjects of pressing, and often painful interest; and sometimes to embark in controversies more necessary than recreating and we would hope these labours have "not been in vain in the Lord; "--but we have wished that every Number of our work should also contain important matters of spiritual edification; and, though we do not obtrude upon our readers much of fiction and imagination, we have always endeavoured to afford them higher and more valuable entertainment, mixed with instruction, and par

ticularly in the article of interesting biography, in which our present volume has certainly not been deficient. But, alas! we are reminded that sorrow mixes with these narratives.

We have

lost many valued friends; among whom the names of Wilberforce and Hannah More stand conspicuous. But we shall have again to speak of these two eminent Christians and public benefactors, ana will therefore not do more at present than passingly record our affection, our gratitude, and our regrets.

The times are serious, but not, in our apprehension, calculated to encourage despondency. What is best among us, will, we believe, be rendered more than ever firm and pure, after temporary agitations have passed away. We have much reason to bless God for comparative tranquillity at home, and for the continuance of peace with other nations; for the speedy abolition of West-India Slavery, and some other acts of legislative duty and wisdom; for the spirit of brotherly union which prevails in most of our religious societies, and the improvement and prosperity of others; for the striking increase of piety in the land, and remarkably so in our Universities and amongst our Clergy. May the Father of mercies look down upon us and visit us! May He disappoint the designs of those who have evil will at Zion; and cause the knowledge and practice of His Truth to abound among us more and more!

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

RELIG. AND MIS. COM.-Address to Tra-

vellers, on the Observance of the Lord's-day

..The "Second Spira ".. Forged Sanscrit

Reference to Noah.. Burton on the Obser-

vance of Sunday.. Pietists in Germany..

Works before Justification.. Italian Martyr

Algieri.. Rejection of the Gospel.. Ex-

pounding..Evangelical Pharisaism ..381-407

REV. OF-Sargent's Life of Thomason [con-
tinued]..Works on the Christian-Know-
ledge Society:-1. Strictures on "Death-
bed Scenes "-2. Observations on ditto-
3. Stanley's Letter to Bishop Gray
4. Record Newspaper

PUB. AFF.-Remarks.. Irish Church Bill..

Anti-Slavery Propositions.. India.. Oaths..

Local Jurisdiction.. Military Flogging

Beer Act.. Party Politics.. Lord's-day Bill;

Illustrations

SUPP. TO RELIG. INTEL.-Bible Society..

Irish Society.. Brit. and For. School Society 444

508