POETRY. IS THERE NO HOPE FOR ERIN ? Is there no hope for Erin- Must dire despair o'er take her, And crush her hopes of joy? The contrite soul He'll save! "AS THE EARTH," ETC. ISAIAH Ixi. 11. Thy voice is forth, Almighty God, Thy faithfulness we call to mind Thy goodness crowns the year. So shall thy glorious gospel, Lord, A WINTER SCRAP. G. H. W. Our life is but a winter's day- THOUGHTS ON DEATH. To think that summer suns shall shine, To think earth's many thousand feet To think that round the social hearth, To think that those I love shall know I may not help to bear. Such thoughts, to those who only know But those who trust a Saviour's care, From all that earth deems good or fair, A. A. W FORGIVENESS. Forgiveness! Oh, how sweet the sound To man's depraved and wayward heart! What thrills of bliss from thee rebound, When God to man thy joys impart. Oh, love! how wondrous is thy power; How charming is thy winning smile; It cheers the solemn gloomy hour It has no fear, it fears no guile. Oh! wondrous scheme by wisdom wrought; A gift divine to fallen man; A finished work; by us unsought; Redemption's heaven-bestowing plan. Forgiver; what a boundless store Of charms Thy mercy doth unfold! How rich, and great, and precious-more Than sparkling gems, or thrice tried gold! A. M. REVIEWS. Bible Stories for the Young. BY C. G. BATH, Although the Bible was not written for entertainment, yet much of entertainment may be lawfully drawn from it. Its historical and biographical details, which no other source can supply, form an inexhaustible fund of the deepest interest; especially captivating to the young and inquiring mind; and calculated to lead on to an acquaintance with those portions of the sacred oracles less attractive to the unrenewed mind, but far more important in their influence and results. Dr. Bath, in his "Bible stories" (translated from the Thirtieth German Edition,) has selected more than fifty of the most prominent histories, whether of per sons or events, in the Old Testament, and has thrown them into a form admirably adapted for juvenile perusal. This plan is, in some measure, carried out for the New Testament by the second work on our list; in which the "Miracles of Christ" are collected into a volume, accompanied by explanatory observations and illustrations from modern travels, together with numerous engravings of the places where the miracles were wrought. "Missionary First Fruits" consist of short accounts of the most remarkable converts from heathenism; designed not only to sustain the zeal of the young in the sacred cause of missions, but also to induce attention to their personal salvation. "The Religious Tradesman" is a brief and interesting memoir of Normand Smith, an American; who, while "not slothful in business," was "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Lastly, we have 66 Thoughts in Affliction ;" a small volume with large print, so as to accommodate failing strength, and enfeebled vision; and calcu lated to afford much consolation to Christian sufferers, in those painful circumstances which more or less, and sooner or later, are the portion of all. Ancient Christianity. BY ISAAC TAYLOR. No. 6. London: JACKSON and WALFORD. This number is devoted to the consideration of church principles; which are at present exciting so much attention. Although not the last in the series, we beg to direct attention to it. It contains a sketch of demonolatry in the 'Christian church of the fourth century; which will both enlighten and surprise many of our readers. Appended to it is a supplement to No. 5; in which many citatitons from ancient authors are brought forward to substantiate the accuracy of statements contained in that number, Lectures. By J. FOSTER. Second Edition. London: JACKSON and WALFORD. All the admirers of the celebrated essays on decision of character (and whom does that designation not include?) will welcome, as from the tomb, where their author is laid, these Lectures which he delivered in Bristol. They are twenty-seven in number; and were preached at Broad-mead Chapel, at varying intervals, in the years 1822 to 1825. They are well prepared by the Editor (Mr. Ryland,) from the author's very copious notes, filled up by collation with copies of the Lectures, taken down as they fell from his lips; and the new matter, thus incorporated with the original manuscript, does not exceed one fifth of the whole. ferent tastes will, of course, select different Lectures as their favorites; but we would particularly direct attention to those (seven Dif in the whole) on prayer, and on times and seasons, with their moral analogies. The range of subjects is very wide, and they are all treated with the hand of a master; while perhaps from their mode of production or preparation, there is less of those faults of style, with which the more finished writings of this author (eminent as he is) are chargeable; and in which he differs from the great friend with whom his name is so often associated - the ever lucid Robert Hall. The volume is appropriately closed by two Lectures on the perfectibility of man, and our future mode of existence. Impressions of America and the American Churches, from the journal of the Rev. G. Lewis, one of the deputation from the Free Church of Scotland to the United States. EDINBURGH: W.P. KENNEDY. LONDON: HAMILTON & Co. on Notwithstanding the multitude of works America, from Mr. Buckingham's volumes (a library in themselves) to Mr. Dickens's sketchy notes, our readers will find in Mr. Lewis's tour, much that is not to be found in the rest. As a Christian man and a Christian minister, his attention was necessarily directed to religious matters, which ordinary travellers would overlook ; and, allowing for a Presbyterian cast and character, no Christian will feel uninterested in its details; while the connexion of the author with the great ecclesiastical movement in Scotland, will give to his observations a peculiar interest. These observations, from the time which they occupied, were necessarily of a cursary character; for during an absence from home of only six months, the author made a complete circuit of the union, and visited both the Canadas Hence he gives to his pages the modest title of "impressions ;" and would probably have kept them in manuscript, had it not been for the hope of their proving serviceable to the church on whose errand he went. Of course, we cannot be expected to concede that "a self-sustained church, in opposition to a self-sustained congregational system," is (as he fondly imagines) "a more excellent way;" nor, while he may perhaps succeed in " confirming the attachment" of Free Church Dissenters to their own system, do we think him likely to gain many accessions to their number: especially from congregational ranks, wrether British or American. We would not, however, convey the impression, that all our authors details are of a theological character. Many attractive localities are visited; many interesting conversations repeated; many graphic scenes described; and many entertaining remarks enliven the journey; in which we may safely recommend our readers to accompany the author. MISSIONARY LABOURS, AND GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY. NEW INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, BALLYBAY, IRELAND. This cause has strong claims on the sympathy and support of all the Congregational Churches in Great Britain and Ireland. An Independent place of worship is absolutely necessary in this locality; and from the spontaneous liberality already displayed by the people at Ballybay, (most of whom are very poor,) and their eagerness to sit under the droppings of the sanctuary, we verily believe they are hungering and thirsting for the bread and water of life eternal, and we rejoice in the prospect of its soon being more fully conveyed to them. Not far distant from the site chosen for the erection of this chapel, there are other places of worship, occupied by Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and Wesleyans; but there is, nevertheless, great reason to mourn over the low and sickly state of religion in their midst. We believed, "that as iron sharpeneth iron," &c. so the influence which an enlightened, zealous congregational minister will exert, must prove beneficial in every way. We trust that the friends of Ireland will rally round the Committee of the Irish Evangelical Society, as on former occasions, and, by their continued liberality, enable them to "relieve the poor that cry" "come over and help us," both in this and other extensive plans for Ireland's spiritual benefit. Subscriptions and donations will be thankfully received by the Rev. T. James, Sec. to the Irish Evangelical Society, Bloomfield St. Finsbury. Friends having collecting cards on behalf of the above object, will please to send the amount collected to the Rev. T. James, as above, or to W. & R. Woodcock, Printers, 201, Warwick Lane, Paternoster Row, City, or Brunswick St. Hackney Road. THE IRISH SOCIETY. We perceive that the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Cashel is to preach a sermon on Sunday next, in Trinity Church, Lower Gardiner-street, in aid of the exhausted funds of that invaluable institution the Irish Society. Of course it would be superfluous in us to direct attention to a sermon announced by such a preacher, in such a church as that of the Rev. JOHN GREGG. The congregation will far overflow the capacity of the walls, and the collection will be all that could be expected. But we cannot avoid the opportunity of expressing our surprise at the miserably inadequate funds of such an inestimable society as this. We do not doubt but that its income might be doubled or trebled with ordinary exertion or judgment. The Trinity College branch of this society, in particular, ought, we think, to be especially supported by every one who takes a degree in our University and cherishes any regard for the memory of Alma Master. That branch, in connexion with the parent, is now engaged in a most important, laboriours, and expensive work, peculiarly worthy to issue from the Irish University. We allude to the Irish Dictionary with Scripture references, so as to serve for a kind of concordance, which is now in preparation, and of which there are hopes that in the course of another year it will see the light. Such a work is second in importance only to the Irish translation of the Bible itself, but from the circumstances of the case, is necessarily tedious, difficult and expensive in the preparation.-Dublin Statesman. DUBLIN. PROPOSED EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE. Since the aggregate meeting of the Provisional Committee at Liverpool, the Dublin branch has commenced a second series of district meetings in the Irish metropolis for the promotion of this interesting object. The first of this new series was held in Zion chapel, King's Inn Street, (north-west district) on Tuesday evening, 10th Feb. The chapel was well filled, and the audience seemed, as usual, interested in the object of the meeting. The platform was somewhat thinned, and a little gloom thrown over the character of the meeting by a notice that had appeared in the public prints of that morning. The chairman, Dr. Blackwood, was at his post. The Rev. Dr. Urwick, Rev. Mr. Kyle, Rev. J. Greer, and others addressed the meeting; and Sir William Betham, along with other Christian friends appeared upon the platform. The Rev. W. H. Cooper, as minister of the place, in calling on the chairman to take his accustomed position, remarked, that as some had expressed a wish that the meetings of the Alliance should be held on neutral ground, they would consider this as neutral ground on the present occasion: not as his chapel, nor as an Independent place of worship; but as the chapel, or whatever else they pleased to call it, for that evening, of the Evangelical Alliance. The finance department of the proposed movement was ably introduced upon the occasion by Mr. Greer, being the first meeting at which it had been distinctly brought before the religious public in this city. occasion. The second meeting of the new series was held in the Scots' Church, Adelaide Road, for the South-east district of Dublin, on Thursday evening, February 19. This new, elegant, and commodious edifice was full throughout. The platform was crowded, and we were glad to perceive a rallying on the part of some friends who had been prevented from coming forward on a previous The Rev. Professor of Irish in the University read the xviith of John. The Rev. Joseph W. Hunter conducted the psalmody, and made some very terse and appropriate observations Several Episcopalian Clergymen addressed the assembly in a strain distinguished by its liberal, animated and evangelical character. Mr. M'Fann of the Primitive Wesleyan Methodist connexion, in a sensible, lively and judicious speech, bore testimony to the truly spiritual and devotional character of the recent committee meetings at Liverpool. Rev. W. H. Cooper as a Dissenter apologized for trespassing on the meeting, at the call of the chairman, lest it should seem as if the arrangements of the committee for the evening had been intended to exclude their Dissenting brethren from having a voice upon the platform. Sir William Betham begged leave to intimate, as a member of the Church of England, his cordial adhesion to the movement, and to express his wonder that evangelical Protestants had not long ago felt its importance and necessity. The meeting was warm and lively; and the sentiments uttered from the platform were received with hearty responses by the numerous and respectable assembly that filled the ground-floor and galleries of the chapel. The third meeting of the series for the South-west district of Dublin, was held in the Primitive Wesleyan preaching-house, South, Great George's Street, on Tuesday evening, 24th of February; and was addressed by Rev. Joseph W. Hunter, (Presbyterian,) Rev. N. R. Halahan, (Episcopalian,) Rev. John Armstrong of Kingstown, (Presbyterian,) P. D. Hardy, Esq. (Indepen dent,) and Rev. J. Greer, (Wesleyan Methodist of the Conference connexion.) Mr. Hunter had not at first joined the alliance; but seeing the men who were engaged in it, and observing the weapons they proposed to employ, he joined it, conceiving it to be his bounden duty to co-operate. Mr. Halaham thought it was a most solemn, amazing, should he say, gigantic, God-honouring object and purpose for which they were assembled together that evening, in the wise providence of God. Mr. Armstrong, though a staunch Presbyterian, felt at home in a Wesleyan chapel, because a Wesleyan preacher drew from his eyes the first tear he ever remembered to have shed for sinat home, because surrounded on the platform partly by members of the Established Church, from members of which communion, he had received some of the most delicately confessed and generous tokens of good-will to the cause of Christ that he had ever experienced; and quite happy in uniting with members of the congregational body, the works of some of whose ministers none could read without being refreshed and edified. Mr. Hardy referred to the days of good Archbishop Usher, and wished for such Archbishops as he was. And Mr. Greer congratulated the friends of the Alliance on the aspect of that meeting, and the feeling that pervaded it, while he exhorted them to a faithful and stedfast adherence to the object in view. The fourth meeting of the new series for the North-east district of Dublin, held in the Wesleyan Methodist chapel, Lower Abbey Street, on Thursday evening, 12th of March, we report on p. 96. DUBLIN. CHRISTIAN UNION. We feel it equally our duty and our pleasure to state the delightful progress of the movement on this most important and interesting subject, which has taken place during the two last months in our town, and its immediate neighbourhood. On the second Sabbath of the new year, the Rev. Noble Shepperd commenced a series of five lectures in his own place of worship, on the following subjects:-The prevalence and insidiousness of a sectarian spirit; the sinfulness and evil of it. The nature and ground of Christian union in connexion with the world's evangelization; and a concluding one, embracing a number of important topics not included, under any of the preceding heads. Before he had proceeded far in their delivery, he received several earnest requests that the course should be re-delivered on week evenings, when they might be attended by all denominations of Protestants, without reference to their own religious engagements; and it was suggested that using all the accessible places of worship for this purpose would have a most pleasing and beneficial effect Mr. Shepperd most cordially and promptly consented, and re-delivered the first in his own place of worship, the Independent Chapel in this town; the second in the Methodist Chapel, Wine-street; the third in the St. John-street school-house, given most kindly by the rector for the purpose; the fourth in the Primitive Methodist Chapel,' Stephen-street; and the fifth in the Presbyterian Meeting-house, Charles - street. The result was more pleasing than the most sanguine friends of the movement had anticipated. The interest steadily increased; the several places became crowded; and though the addresses were long, and the hour chosen late, the attention seemed never to flag, while the feeling became intense. On last Thursday evening (the 26th February,) this series of delightful services was suitably closed by a Union Tea Meeting, held in the spacious hall of our court-house (the accommodation of which was at once afforded for the purpose by our respected sub-sheriff.) There were very nearly three hundred and fifty persons present; and we think it is not too much to say, and we do so advisedly, that seldom did a public meeting exhibit more real and high enjoyment. We will onlysay of the addresses delivered, that they were the addresses of earnest men, whose hearts were in the glorious work in which they were engaged. Mutually united, and full of Christian affection themselves, they were plainly most anxious to unite their several denominations to each other, and they appeared to take their auditors thoroughly with them. We cannot, however, refrain from copying, and thus recording the subject entrusted to each speaker; the spirit and character of the meeting will be thus ascertained by those who had not the privilege of being present. After an introductory statement by Mr. Shepperd, which brought up the history of this movement to the present time, Mr. Le Maitre spoke to the following subject : That this meeting declares, with heartfelt thanksgiving to God, its conviction that there is ample common ground on which Christians of all Evangelical denominatious can cordially unite, and that there is a wide spread and ardent desire to do so at the present time, beyond any former period since the Reformation. SECOND SUBJECT, SPOKEN TO BY MR. STUART, That this union is a union of individuals and not of churches; that its members give up no principle they believe true; but they determine. by God's grace, that they will hold the truth in love; and that they will in every way seek to exhibit the essential unity of the Church of Christ. THIRD SUBJECT, ENFORCED BY MR. WAUGH. That we desire to be deeply humbled before God for the divisions of the Christian Church, and for the part we have severally taken in promoting, or perpetuating them; and we would affectionately urge on each other the duty of henceforward cultivating a different spirit, seeking to walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and given himself for us.' FOURTH SUBJECT, ADDRESS BYMR. SHEPPERD That this meeting believe the alienation of Christians from one another. on account of lesser differences has been one of the greatest evils in the Church of Christ, and one of the main hindrances to the pro gress of the gospel; and that the aspect of affairs, in a religious point of view, both at home and abroad is such as to present the strongest motives to union and co-operation. FIFTH SUBJECT, ADDRESS BY MR. HERON. That as difficulties will arise to impede this as well as every other good work that ever was attempted in our sinful world- difficulties from friends and foes - from ourselves and others-we feel the necessity of earnest prayer for the Holy Spirit's richest influence to open up our path to purify our motives, to give us the wisdom which cometh down from above that those difficulties may be overcome, and the Saviour's prayer, that his Church may be one, may be fulfilled. Between the addresses some beautiful and appropriate hymns were sung with spirit and fervour. The meeting assembled at six o'clock, and separated about half-past ten. This meeting will not soon be forgotten by any one, whether young or old, who formed part of it. It and the series of services connected with it, we think, equally remarkable for the noble object proposedthe pure pleasure conferred, and the hallowed influence they have left behind. Exceedingly unlike the meetings which usually fall within our province to note, they will not be understood and cannot be appreciated by many. Some, however, and those not the least enlightened or least estimable, will highly value them. Union, not of parties, but of principles, is now felt to be the universal want. It is so especially in the highest subject-religion. The people of God are essentially one-why not appear so? We most cordially wish the object great success. A remittance, as an expression of feeling, is about to be made to the Dublin provisional committee, toward the necessary expenses incurred in carrying on this important work. Any of the gentlemen abovementioned, or Mr. T. Williams, of Marketstreet, treasurer, will gladly take charge of any donations entrusted to them. DUBLIN. IRISH SEAMEN'S FRIEND AND BETHEL UNION. The first annual Meeting of the above Society was held at the Scots' Church, Mary's Abbey, on Friday evening, 30th January. A considerable number of captains and sailors, along with others interested in the cause, attended the meeting. A very distinct and lucid statement of the proceedings was given in the Report by Alexander Boyd, Esq. the Secretary. Rev. W. B. Kirkpatrick and other speakers addressed the friends assembled, in speeches explanatory of the Society's object and |