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tion by the cross, on the hill and in the valley, on the shore and in the street, in markets, court-houses, school-rooms, &c., as well as in places regularly set apart for worship. Multitudes of Roman Catholics and others have thereby heard of Jesus, many of whom, it is hoped, have received the truth in love, and some are now among the spirits of just men made perfect. Drooping churches have been revived, and new ones formed. Were means forthcoming, more labourers would be engaged for spheres long waiting to receive them.

The Dublin Independent College is a natural, if not necessary associate of the Home Mission. It is a "school of the prophets," in which young men of approved piety, talent, and zeal, are conducted through the various courses of study suitable to prepare them for the respectable and effective discharge of the Christian ministry. So far as is expedient and practicable, they attend the Dublin University. The plan of the institution generally resembles that in Glasgow, of which Dr. Wardlaw is Theological Tutor. The number of applicants for admission is far greater than can be received.

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Reader Your contributions and your prayers are requested in behalf of these objects. A little band of true-hearted Christian men, resident in Ireland, and devoted to her best interests, earnestly invite your sympathy and aid. They ask not, will you come, but will you enable them to go to the help of the Lord against the mighty." The position they occupy, and the work they have to do, is critically important to Christendom and the world. Ireland's religious state is vitally affecting that of Britain, America, and other parts. Her eight millions of inhabitants, year after year, are sending forth powerfully-telling influences in all directions. Appearances warrant the expectation that in Ireland the battle of the Reformation will be fought anew, finally to decide whether the King of Zion or the Man of Sin shall be supreme. Here, then, let scriptural and spiritual Protestantism concentrate its powers to make a stand, and win achievements worthy of itself.

No time is to be lost. The adversaries of truth are on the alert, by every means strengthening their cause. Within thirty years, another generation of Erin's people will have passed beyond the reach of the gospel, and long before that period has elapsed, you may be no more able to assist them.

The "green isle" is a land of picturesque scenery a land of stirring intellects and generous hearts-a land of poets, warriors, statesmen, orators, artists, &c., whose names rank high in present fame. It is wished to make her, in the best sense, an island of saints."

"

The committee are happy to state, that the Rev. J. Carlile, 3, Helmsley-terrace, Hackney, has kindly undertaken the office of Honorary Corresponding Secretary in London to the Congregational Union of Ireland, "assuring the committee of his unabated interest in the prosperity of an institution, in the organization of which he had the privilege of taking an active and prominent part." Mr. C., in reply to the request of the committee, that he would for the present receive contributions towards the college department, intimates his willingness not only to receive, but even to solicit subscriptions for that object.

It is necessary to explain, that the connexion formerly agreed to, pursuant to a conference at Liverpool, in June, 1841, between the Congregational Union of Ireland and the Irish Evangelical Society, has been dissolved; so that each institution will now again pursue its course, and make its appeals for public support, independently of the other, though not in opposition or unchristian rivalry. May the Head of the church prosper its scriptural efforts to fill Ireland with the light of life.

The committee have been already favoured with the following recommendations to the public:

"Liverpool, Sept. 9, 1843.

"It appearing, upon the whole, most desirable that the Irish Congregational Union should henceforth carry on its home missionary labours independently, I most cordially recommend their appeal for pecuniary aid to the countenance and support of the Christian public.

(Signed) "THOMAS RAFFLES."

"Liverpool, Oct. 4, 1843. "MY DEAR SIR,-I regret that the arrangement agreed upon at the Liverpool Conference between the Irish Evangelical Society and your Union has not been found to answer. I don't think it is desirable, even if possible, to attempt any further connexion between the two societies, now that they have amicably separated. It will still be the duty, as I am sure it is the interest, of both to preserve a good understanding; and to occupy fields-and there is abundant room -so distinct and separate as to prevent, as far as possible, any fear of future collision. There will be this advantage in so acting, that both societies will have fair play, and the one that succeeds best will in the end draw towards it the largest support and sympathies of the English churches. Your Union, in my judgment, has strong claims on the assistance of our churches, and I hope you will receive such a measure of encouragement as will leave you no room to complain. I shall be glad to hear of your success, and shall do what I can to promote it. May God guide you in all your

measures, and succeed all your plans. With much respect, I remain,

"Very sincerely yours,

(Signed) "JOHN KELLY."

"Glasgow, Oct. 7, 1843. "I have ever been, on principle, though I cannot now detail the grounds, favourable to the operations and the claims of the Congregational Union of Ireland. When the terms of co-operation between that Institution and the Irish Evangelical Society were settled by the meeting of referees at Liverpool, and subsequently acceded to by the committees of both societies, it was in the full understanding that the measure was a temporary one; and that the object of ultimate desire was, that the evangelization of Ireland, so far as the efforts of Congrega. tionalists for that end were concerned, should fall into the hands of the Irish churches themselves. Circumstances having recently led to the dissolution of the agreement just referred to, I cannot hesitate, from the views I have always held, and without entering at all into the causes of the dissolution, to give my recommendation, in the strongest terms, to the Irish Congregational Union, without withdrawing it, at the same time, from the Irish Evangelical Society; desirous as I am that, since the terms of co-operation have been found unnecessary, each of these Institutions should exert itself to the uttermost, with a free and holy emulation, in the spirit of mutual charity and common zeal, for the one great end which they have both in view.

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bodies, by far the larger proportion belonging to the General Presbyterian Church of Ireland. The political agitation which has for some time prevailed has in many cases increased the animosity that exists between the Catholics and Protestants; whilst on the other hand many, having by such agitation been taught to think freely on political subjects, are beginning to exercise the same freedom of thought on religious topics; and it may, therefore, be reasonably expected, that if the friends of scriptural truth can be induced to make a wise and prudent use of circumstances as they arise, much good may be anticipated. Education has become almost universal. It was pleasing to see groups of children of both sexes, clothed in many cases in rags, hastening to school with their books under their arms, and evidently taking great delight in their occupation. In a very short time the entire population will possess the capacity to read; and it should, therefore, be an object of great solicitude with all the frends of truth to supply them with suitable books, not perhaps exclusively of a religious, but also of a generally instructive and even entertaining nature. If but little hope can be entertained of making much impression on the adult population, let the rising generation be well instructed, let them be taught to think, let their minds be expanded, let truth be presented to their understandings, and we may hope that the happiest results will be realized. The attention of the committee of the Irish Evangelical Society has been directed to this subject; and in my intercourse in Ireland, not only with our own agents, but with intelligent persons of all denominations, I found the universal feeling to be, that this should be the great object at which all who desire Ireland's welfare should direct their strenuous efforts. It is expected that the committee will immediately make a trial in different parts of the country, by engaging persons after the manner of the colporteurs in France, to sell at reduced prices books of an instructive, and especially of a religious Special donations for this object will be thankfully received.

nature.

The state of the country is much altered since this society commenced its labours, nearly thirty years ago. At that time there were but few evangelical preachers in the Protestant Episcopal Establishment; whilst the Presbyterian church was extensively tainted with doctrinal error. A great improvement in these respects is manifest in both these communions, and being engaged in efforts for the spiritual welfare of the community, but little assistance is received, or can be expected, from either of those parties, beyond their sympathy and their prayers, which it is pleasing to know that to a considerable extent in many places we

enjoy. The revival of the spirit of piety in these bodies, and the greater zeal they are now displaying, have, in some instances, absorbed the good which this society in its earlier efforts was the honoured instrument of effecting. But I am happy to be able to state that many of the stations still occupied by the agents of the Irish Evangelical Society, continue to be favoured with the Divine presence and blessing. The attendance on their ministrations varies according to the character of the surrounding population. When Popery bears an almost exclusive sway, comparatively few will be found in stated attendance. But even then our ministers, availing themselves of the opportunity which sickness and death afford, are often enabled to preach "the glorious Gospel of the blessed God ;" and whenever they do, they are listened to with deep attention, and with many expressions from the people of their interest and their thankfulness. In other stations our brethren have been favoured with much success. I witnessed, in one instance, a considerable congregation collected in a mountainous district, many of the people, apparently thirsting for the water of life, travelling five, six, or seven Irish miles, and remaining during the interval of worship, that they may have the privilege of attending a second service. I have much pleasure in being able to state, that the brethren labouring in connexion with our society are persevering in their work with exemplary diligence. When they are sufficiently near to each other, they are doing this in perfect and delightful harmony with each other; and, with their people, express and manifest great affection for the Irish Evangelical Society, which for so many years has assisted to sustain them, and to secure to them the regular administration of gospel ordinances. But amidst much which the committee feel is of an encouraging nature, it is most grievous to know that many most important and promising fields of labour are neglected for no other reason

than a want of adequate funds. Double the number of agents could at once be most advantageously employed, had the committee the means of sustaining them. Here is an integral portion of our empire, within twelve hours' sail of our own shores, containing millions of our fellow subjects, who, without expressing any opinion on the religious systems that prevail, are really perishing in ignorance and sin. Will not our churches assist in rolling away this reproach? Will not wealthy Christians render the committee their aid in this time of their necessity? If they will intrust the committee with their money, from actual inspection and personal observation, I can assure them it will be profitably spent.

I am yours faithfully,

THOMAS JAMES. Woolwich, Sept. 16, 1843.

HONG KONG.

From the Rev. Dr. Legge.

To the Editor of the Evangelical Magazine.

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DEAR SIR,-In a letter from the son of Leang A-fat, "the Chinese Evangelist," addressed to Mrs. Morrison, and published in your number for June, last year, I observe some statements very much to the discredit of an old domestic of Dr. Morrison's," named A. Gong. I beg to assure you there is no foundation for the charge which is there brought against the latter individual. Mr. Morrison, whose money, intrusted to him for the deliverance of his persecuted fellow Christians, he is said to have appro priated to his own use, wrote of him to me about two years ago in terms of high commendation, and during an acquaintance with him of nearly three years, I have found him a consistent and active Christian. I am, dear Sir. Yours affectionatly, JAMES LEGGE,

AUTUMN LEAVES.

THE various forest trees that recent stood,
With verdure and with fragrant beauty crown'd;
Where, safely rear'd were many a nestling brood,
Who, 'mongst the leaves a happy dwelling found;

Now, scatter'd by the wind, those leaves bestrew the ground,
So rapidly hath summer pass'd away;

And with it all its blossoms and its flowers,

And to the colder season now gives way;

Bringing autumnal gales, with frequent showers,

With sun's declining strength, and days of shorter hours.

Yet round the leafless trunk doth ivy cling

With blossoms beauteous* in October keen,

So through the dreariest hours, will comfort spring,

And hope remaining still be evergreen.

*The ivy blossoms in October.

S.-F. S. A.

VOL. XXI.

THE FAITHFUL EVANGELIST.

THE

MISSIONARY MAGAZINE

AND

Chronicle.

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"They then bound me to a tree, and. after beating me again, one of them said," We must know the nature of this religion: although we beat this man, he complains not, nor does a tear fall from his eyes.' I said, 'They that mourn shall hereafter be comforted.""-Page 570.

INDIA.

GEORGE CHRISTIE'S NATIVE TEACHER.

We have much pleasure in presenting the subjoined auto-biographical narrative of the Native Evangelist employed in connexion with our Mission at Neyoor, under the name of GEORGE CHRISTIE, and supported by the christian liberality of William Kay, Esq., Grove House, near Liverpool. Our engraving for the present month is intended to depict an event in the interesting history of George Christie, which shows, in a manner at once affecting and delightful, the stedfastness of his christian character through the abundant grace he has received, and his readiness to pour out even his life, should it be required, on the sacrifice and service of his faith. The account to which attention is now invited has been transmitted by our esteemed Missionary brother, the Rev. John Abbs. "When I was four years of age, my parents died, and I was nourished by my father's mother till her death. After that, I wandered from place to place, committing much wickedness and enduring many hardships. Both before and after my marriage, I walked for a long time according to my wicked thoughts and desires, and many evil devices were in my heart. After this my wife was taken ill, and I had much sorrow of mind on account of her affliction. At that time I knew not that afflictions come to us because of our sinful nature; and, being ignorant, I gave money and food to sorcerers to recite incantations and offer sacrifice to the images of evil spirits for my wife's recovery. Although, according to the custom of the heathen, I expended much on these and such vain things, the sickness of my wife diminished not, but increased; and having been told that it would be good for me to seek an omen from a Polayen fortune-teller, I went to him and asked his assistance. He advised me to sacrifice more fowls: in order to purchase these, I took my wife's jewels from her neck and sold them; but, while about to make the offering, she became worse and swooned, upon which I thought all our preparations would be useless, and I became very sorry. "I wished to make my distress known to the Christian readers, but felt a difficulty, because I had often reproached the Christians, their Missionaries, and Readers, and had blasphemed the name of God. Soon after the spirit of my wife returned; and, when she gained strength, I sent for the readers, inquired about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, heard their instructions, and united with them in prayer. Affliction continued and increased in my family, but Christ gave us much consolation. About two years after this, my wife died, at the of twenty-two years. Her last words were, O Jesus, suffer not my soul to lie in pain, but receive me to dwell with thee.' After her death, I soon obtained strength by trusting in God, and desired to know more of the christian way.

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“One Sunday, I was seized by some Soodras, and told to carry a burden to a feast. I said, 'I cannot carry this burden to-day, because it is my Lord's day.' They were very angry, beat me, and said, 'Who will punish us, if we kill you?' I replied, You cannot kill my soul; my body only you can kill.' They then bound me to a tree, (page 569,) and after beating me again, one of them said, We must know the nature of this religion: although we beat this man, he complains not, nor does a tear fall from his eyes.' I said, They that mourn shall hereafter be comforted.' They exclaimed, 'Who is this? Is he a disciple of Devasaghayampilly ?'* and immediately released me.

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"I was subsequently appointed a Moopen, and baptized by Mr. Abbs, who allowed me a small sum monthly for my support, and directed me to apply my mind to learning. Although I knew not a letter two years ago, I can now read

• A Roman Catholic of this country who is reported to have suffered martyrdom many years since, with exemplary patience.

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