the most abandoned life. There is no timidity, connivance, or supineness in reessential antagonism between taste and gard to the ritualistic practices which are religion, but it would betray utter ignor-so notoriously rife in London and its neighance of the teaching of history, and that bourhood. They are beginning to suspect too on a wide scale, to deny that they are that Nonconformity may be something frequently found in the inverse ratio of better than an evil, and may become with each other, and that the most exquisite ap- them a painful necessity. They are talking preciation of art and beauty is often seen about a free Episcopal Church in which allied with the most shameless disregard of they can use the Liturgy, and from which the moral laws. But the point which is they can exclude Romish dogmas and ceresuggested by the ritualism of St. Alban's, monies, and the heresies that spring from a and of other churches in your lordship's licentious rationalism. They can accord diocese, is, that it arises most unmistak- with your lordship in your often expressed ably out of the doctrine of transub- opinion, that a National Church should be stantiation, and is as clearly designed marked by its comprehensiveness, and to lead back the mind to that 80called mystery of the Christian faith. This is the culminating point to which the whole service in these churches manifestly progresses. It is the fact which gives to every other thing its significance. The worshipper feels that he is being led on step by step to some sacred wonder, and he is conscious of having reached it when the priest has transmuted the bread and wine into the very body and blood of Christ. It would require a mind of very slow apprehension not to perceive that this is the object both contemplated and obtrusively pursued in the whole service at St. Alban's. And this ritualism is on the increase. It is spreading like a plague. It is appearing in different parts of our country, and seizing upon the young of both sexes. Under its influences in a great degree the evangelical element in the Church of England has, within the last few years, most sensibly declined. It is declining still, and becoming in some places crushed between rationalism and ritualism as between the upper and nether millstones. It would be matter for unfeigned regret if your lordship were unconscious of these facts; but it would be matter for still deeper regret, if, while conscious of them, you should feel yourself unwilling or unable to meet the present exigency. The suspicion is rapidly gaining ground that the episcopal bench is paralysed by the aspect of affairs in the Church, and that they shrink from any step which might bring the various ecclesiastical parties into more overt collision. Many are asking whether the doctrine of transubstantiation be indeed the doctrine of the Church; and if it be not, whether there is no legal machinery by which its maintainers can be excluded from positions which their heresy dishonours. Many of the laity in London are expressing themselves with a not unnatural freedom and warmth upon your lordship's supposed should include superficial varieties of faith and practice, with an underlying unity; but they are strongly convinced that as contradictories cannot both be true, transubstantiation and its opposite, baptismal regeneration and its opposite, and the doctrines of rationalism and their opposites, cannot have place in such a generously inclusive plan without first proclaiming the absolute indifference of the true and the false, the right and the wrong, and without teaching the people, under the sanction of religion, that it matters not what is the religion they hold and profess. At present, my lord, he would be a reckless man who should venture to assert that the Church of England is in any intelligible sense of the term the bulwark of Protestantism. It is the nursery of Romanism, and it has supplied that apostate system with some of its noblest sons, both clerical and lay. Of no other Church in Britain can this be said. I have written this letter in sorrow, not in anger, knowing well that I am but giving utterance to the convictions of thousands who have loved the services of the Church of England, who received its baptism and confirmation, who were married within its pale, and had hoped to die its steadfast and loving adherents. And I claim your forbearance if, in closing this letter, I venture humbly to warn your lordship that you cannot fail in your duty in this perilous crisis of the history of our National Church, and of the Christianity which it professes to represent, without incurring the responsibility involved in your high position, of having suffered the spread of Popish dogmas and ceremonies when, by a vigorous and prompt action, you might have driven them from your diocese. "I remain, "Your lordship's faithful servant, “E. M. "October 11, 1866." Atonement, the only efficient Exponent of God's Love to Man, and the Source and Motive of Man's Love to God. By the Hon. SOMERSET R. MAXWELL. This handsome little book deals with the greatest of subjects in a fresh, thoughtful and reverent way. It is the production of a man to whom the things of Christ are realities, and it shows how the truth and the spirit of the Gospel are naturally associated. In the introduction we have a lengthy poem in blank verse on "The Love of God," which shows the author to have not only a firm grasp and appreciation of divine truth, but a cultivated taste and no mean share of the poetic gift. We cordially recommend the book. Prayers and Hymns for Morning and Evening, etc. By the Rev. GEORGE WALKER KINNELL. Edinburgh: Wm. P. Nimmo. This is an excellent collection of prayers and hymns, and is fitted to be very useful as a help or guide in the devotions of the family. The prayers are simply expressed, and lay hold of the many and various wants of the soul. The hymns do not exhibit a high poetic faculty, but they are smooth in expression and devout in spirit, and worthily accompany the prayers. Many of them are paraphrases of portions of Scripture. To many families the volume would be a real boon. The Year of Prayer; being Family Prayers for the Christian Year, suited to the Services and Commemorations of the Church. By HENRY ALFORD, D.D., Dean of Canterbury. London: Alexander Strahan. By the Church, the dean means the Church of England, and to those who belong to that communion his "Year of Prayer" is likely to be of great service. We like the brevity, the simplicity, and the directness of the prayers. We quote the last paragraph of the Preface, as bearing upon a recent controversy, in which Colenso figured with little credit to himself:-"A large proportion of the prayers will be found to be addressed to our blessed Lord. It seems to me that there is no remedy likely to be so efficacious for the coldheartedness and decline of faith in our time as more humble devotion, and more ardent personal love towards our great and merciful High Priest, the Divine hearer and answerer of prayer." The Imperial Bible-Dictionary. Edited by the Rev. PATRICK FAIRBAIRN, D.D. Glasgow and London: Blackie & Son. We have received the last four parts of this very superior Bible-Dictionary. As the work is now completed we purpose next month to give a notice of it as a whole. Meanwhile we recommend it to all Bible students. THE ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN MESSENGER. DECEMBER, 1866. THE CANADA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. To the Editor of the English Presbyterian Messenger. DEAR SIR,—Believing that a letter from Upper Canada may not be uninteresting to your readers, I have resolved not to suffer another mail to sail without conveying to yourself and them my very cordial greetings. After spending some weeks here, and conversing with many of our ministers, I am happy to report as favourably as will generally be expected of the state of the Presbyterian Church in this province. The union, of which I was a gratified witness five years ago at Montreal, when the Free Church and the United Presbyterians became one, has proved in effect what its most sanguine advocates predicted; and in almost all the Presbyteries an entire harmony prevails. If in one or perhaps two exceptional cases there is a less gratifying report to give, this is, I am told, to be traced to individual infirmity of temper, not in any respect to incongruity between the two elements of which the Canada Presbyterian Church is composed. Toronto being the place of my temporary residence, I am happy to assure you that the various congregations here are generally in a healthy condition. My excellent friend, the Rev. Mr. Topp, of Knox's Church, has lately returned from a voyage to the Mediterranean, made in search of health, and finds himself much recruited. His is the largest congregation in Toronto. Cook's Church, which is mainly composed of Irish Presbyterians, is greatly increased in its membership since my visit in 1861. Dr. Jennings's Church, formerly United Presbyterian, is also flourishing; and another, the Rev. Mr. King's, also originally United Presbyterian, is, I believe, fairly attended. In addition to these, the West Church has been lately opened, and its zealous minister, the Rev. Mr. Baikie, has, by arduous and faithful exertions, both in and out of the pulpit, already succeeded in gathering a lively and promising flock around him. Besides these, there is a preaching station at Yorkville, which is one of the suburbs, and several others are springing up in the immediate neighbourhood. One of the great difficulties in spreading the Church in Canada arises from the sparse condition of the population in many country districts. A minister must undertake the supply, in many cases, of three, four, or five stations, dividing his labours among them as best he may. This involves a great deal of effort and expense, and renders the life of a pastor in some localities extremely arduous. At the same time, there are many country congregations as pleasantly situated as any at home. The Presbyterianism of Canada is quite of the Scottish type. The idea of organs is an abomination; and even hymns have few, if any, advocates. One of the principal subjects of anxiety at present is the paucity of candidates for the ministry. The same causes which operate in lessening the number of them at home are acting here with greater force, and there is danger of a serious famine of the No. 228.-New Series. 23 Word. This will first be felt in those districts where the people are widely dispersed; and already it is extremely difficult to find suitable men to occupy those outfields. The subject must soon engage the anxious deliberation of the friends of truth in Canada. In the meantime, it is interesting to be able to assure you that "Knox College" in this city is in full working order, and was never more efficient than it promises to be during the session of which this was the opening day. I was present on the occasion, and was much gratified by the proceedings. There was a large attendance of ministers and adherents of the Canada Presbyterian Church; and conspicuous in the assemblage was a number of ladies, who graced the proceedings with their presence. The Rev. Dr. Willis, Principal of the College, occupied the chair, and among those present were the Revs. Dr. Ormiston and Dr. Burns; Messrs. Topp, Gregg, and King, of this city; Cochrane, of Brantford; Dick, Tavish, Inglis, of Woodstock; Inglis, of Hamilton; Middlemas, of Ellora, &c. The opening lecture was delivered by Professor Cavan, who had been elected at last Synod to fill the chair of Exegetics. Mr. Cavan is a man of academic aspect, and his lecture "On the Need for an Educated Ministry" was the production of a clear and thoroughly disciplined mind. His remarks were listened to with attention throughout, and at their close the benediction was pronounced, and the meeting dispersed. The attendance at the College will this year be equal to any preceding one; but as the students sent forward by the Montreal Board have not arrived, the exact number is not yet ascertained. The position which the Canada Presbyterian Church holds numerically in Upper Canada will be understood from the following figures. At the date of the last census (1861) there were: Parties would appear from this statement to be tolerably well balanced in Upper Canada; and as the Protestant community greatly preponderate, when united there is not much to fear from Popish combinations in this territory. Unfortunately, however, since the union of the two provinces, the influence of Lower Canada has in many cases been brought to bear with baneful effect on Western questions, and the Protestants hail the new constitution which the confederation of all the provinces will necessitate, as likely to emancipate them from an influence which they have found to be extremely galling and hurtful. It is hoped that the Established Church Presbyterians will ere long be incorporated with the Canada Presbyterian Church, and thus add strength and numbers to the common cause. The material prosperity of this country has been greatly affected this year by the restlessness and the aggressive spirit of their neighbours. The Fenians, however, have now confessed their inherent weakness, and the alarm caused by their threats has nearly subsided. Still there is a lurking suspicion that mischief is brooding in the United States, and some even predict a new rebellion which will embrace far more disruptive elements than the last, and the results of which it is impossible to foresee. Canada would not be directly involved in any such movement, but when the fierce passions of a people like the Americans are once let loose, it is difficult to calculate in what direction a blow may be struck, and Canada is more likely to become its aim than any other foreign people. All this tends to scare away capital, and to retard material prosperity. Still, I hear no complaints. The harvest has been, on the whole, above the average. The agricultural exhibitions this autumn have been very successful. Trade has been fairly supported, and a spirit of greater buoyancy than has for some years existed manifests itself in the community. Continued peace and a few more good harvests would place Canada in a very desirable position as regards material prosperity. The mineral wealth of the soil is becoming more and more developed, and manufactures are springing into importance. The state of religion generally does not seem to call for much remark. Christians lament here as elsewhere a prevailing coldness and indifference. Meetings for prayer are held weekly in most of the congregations, but the attendance is scanty, and the general interest not great. Missionary efforts are in a great measure limited to the province, where the demands are pressing; and, on the whole, we see reason in Canada, as there is at home, for earnest prayer that God would please to send times of revival and refreshment to his "weary heritage." Ever, my dear sir, Toronto, Canada West, October 3, 1866. Yours most sincerely, GEO. J. C. DUNCAN. WHAT BECAME OF THOSE JEWISH PRIESTS WHO, IN THE DAYS OF THE APOSTLES, WERE CONVERTED TO THE CHRISTIAN FAITH? BY THE REV. JAMES M'GILL, M.A., BOURNEMOUTH. WE learn from the sixth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles that, as the Gospel spread, and the converts became more numerous, the cares of the apostles were increased. The community of goods, although proceeding The from the most excellent of motives, led to some practical inconveniences, which are inseparable from every work of Christian benevolence. Greeks, or Hellenists, who were Jewish proselytes, but not Jews by birth, began to suspect that there was some partiality in distributing the common fund, which was provided by the sale of so many properties. They thought that the apostles, or those whom the apostles employed to distribute the fund, were more attentive to the poor of the Jews than to the poor of the Greeks. Whether or not there was any real ground for this murmuring, we are not informed. At any rate, the apostles did not interfere with the dispute; but they proceeded, doubtless under the direction of the Holy Spirit, to make a new arrangement. They directed the brethren to chose out men who should be appointed to take care of the temporalities. This was done. Seven deacons were appointed, and the apostles were left at liberty to pr |