instances, has been achieved. As a proof and illustration of this, I shall now, according to my former promise, state a few of the leading circumstances of a case of conversion from Popery to the faith and hope of the Gospel. John, the subject of this change (and who has recently gone to a better world, in the 23rd or 24th year of his age), although possessing mental ability above the average of his lot in life, continued an ignorant Roman Catholic until within a year and a half of his death. At this period, the state of his health caused him to be sent to the County Infirmary, in which place, you are aware, I have a regular service every Lord's-day. Here, for the first time, he began to read the Bible, and to attend the preaching of the Gospel. He was naturally of a retiring and modest disposition, and it was a considerable time before he disclosed to any one the change which his views and mind had undergone upon the subject of religion. This he did first to the matron of the infirmary, a pious woman, by whom it was first mentioned to me. Long before this he had attracted my notice, and I was always struck with the fervent devotion and seriousness which he evinced during our religious services. Indeed, I had taken it for granted, from his deportment in our meetings, that he was a piously brought up Methodist. What, then, must have been my surprise, when first informed that this same individual had been, until a short time before, a Roman Catholic in heart as well as life. This intelligence of course gave me additional interest in him, and at once, and not till then, had I a personal interview with him. I was equally astonished and gratified, to find at what a rapid rate light and truth had progressed in his mind and experience. He conversed, and frequently afterwards, about the things of the Spirit, and ascribed all he felt and enjoyed to the teaching of the Spirit, blessing the reading and ministry of the word.

At this time, as far as I can learn, no apprehensions were entertained by the surgeon respecting his death. At length, however, his disease proclaimed the proximity of death, and then came the trial of his faith. He had always shrunk, owing in a great measure to the natural timidity of his disposition, from anything like a public or formal renunciation of Popery, and he knew, that, as a matter of course, the priest would be sent for; he having entered the establishment as a professed Roman Catholic, and never publicly or openly professing Protestantism: the laws of the institution likewise requiring, that, in the prospect of death, the clergyman of the patient's profession should be sent for. At this time his mind was greatly exercised, and it was his fervent and constant prayer, for the attainment of which he requested an interest in the prayers of a few to whom he disclosed his mind, that, in the trying emergency, a mouth and wisdom suited to the occasion would be given him. From the attention paid to him by a few devoted persons, a short time before his death, some of the Roman Catholic inmates began to suspect that all was not right, and that he would probably be allowed to die without receiving the last rites of his church, and therefore kept their vigils two or three nights, watching the door of his chamber, to ascertain what would transpire. At all events, the priest was sent for, and was preparing to administer the sacrament of extreme unction, when declared he should not, and asked him if he could forgive him his sins? The priest replied, that upon certain conditions he could. affirmed that he could not; that he did not send for him; and that he had a great High Priest above, to whom, and to whom alone, he looked for acceptance, and admittance into the kingdom of heaven. The priest then inquired if he wished the Protestant clergyman to be sent for? He said he did not; he had no confidence in any man: through the Redeemer, he had no doubt, all his sins were forgiven. In short, the priest left him; pronouncing him, as Festus pronounced Paul, to be beside himself. But he was neither beside himself nor mad: he was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and in the full triumph of faith, his spirit went off to heaven.

N.B. The Committee of the Irish Evangelical Society having recently paid £325 to the Committee of the Irish Congregational Union, to assist them in their itinerant and other exertions in Ireland, are nearly £650 in debt, besides having claims now due upon them for the salaries of their agents, &c. for about £600 more. Contributions from their friends, and the friends of Ireland generally, are therefore most earnestly entreated in the present emergency, and will be thankfully received by Rev. G. Rose, Secretary, at the Society's office, 7, Blomfield Street, Finsbury.

COLONIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

THE following letter is from a very laborious, devoted minister, the Rev. W. Clarke, who has now for nearly five years occupied an important station at London and Westminster, in Upper Canada. It was written without the remotest view to publication, and is now inserted here, because it will contribute to give British Christians at home, a correct and lively view of the state of things in the colonies. The singular ferment and conflict of opinions in those new communities, the active restlessness of mind, the startling fact that the voluntary principle, unimpeded, tends to excess, rather than want, of religious means-all are in this letter, almost without intention, clearly exhibited. Then the trials of a minister labouring in such a state of society, the necessity that he should be sustained by sympathy and aid from the father-land, the fact clearly indicated, that, in this race of sects, those represented by the best educated, and the best supported ministry, must, in the end, prevail; all these points receive illustration from our brother's candid statements. Nor is it possible not to admire the vigorous struggle against intemperance, that bane and plague of colonies, maintained by our brethren, whatever opinion may be entertained on the abstract principle of the total abstinence pledge, or, in many instances, of the wisdom of its practical adoption. Then this letter contributes to show, that if there be any scenes in the world, in which a testimony for truth is wanted, the colonies present them. There error, vice, and a coarse, loose, ill-compacted structure of society are inevitable, if the seeds of truth are not early sown; if the solemnities of worship, and the holy bonds of church fellowship do not, from the first, purify, soften, and harmonize the elements of a population, thrown together without concert, pressed with hardships, and having no leaders whom the people naturally confide in and follow.

To the Rev. JOHN ROAF.

London, Upper Canada, Dec. 8th, 1841. MY DEAR SIR,-The receipts from my people, during the last quarter, are £16. 178. 10d. That more is not raised for my support, and the relief of the Society, is a subject of much regret to my own mind; but, in candour, I am constrained to say, from the smallness of the population, and the multiplication of sects, I do not see a prospect of much increase, if of any. It is, however, some gratification, that, amid all the vicissitudes through which we have passed, there has been a gradual increase since my settlement here; and, with gratitude, I do not hesitate to say, that the prospects of Congregationalism are quite as bright, if not brighter, than at any period since it was first planted here by the Society. But in this, as well as in other towns in this country, if our distinctive views of "faith, church order, &c.," prevail, it will be with much labour and self-denial on the part of the missionary, and much patience, and confidence, and generosity, on the part of the Committee. In support of these remarks, allow me to refer to the past and present state of London, with regard to ministers and means of grace. In July, 1837, the population was one thousand. In July, 1841, it was two thousand, exclusive of the military. In the former year, a minister of the Church of England, and of the Methodists, preached on the Sabbath

mornings, and the Scotch Secession minister one sermon in two weeks. I commenced preaching on the Sabbath evening, then quite open, making seven sermons in two weeks. In the latter year, by the Church of England, by the Methodists, (three sects, Episcopal, Canadian, and British, who have each a separate chapel) by the Secession, Congregational, and Catholic ministers, there are fifteen sermons preached every Sabbath, besides Kirk, Baptists, and New Connexion Methodist ministers, who are frequently here on the Sabbath. The two former bodies intend to have settled ministers in the town, in the commencement of next year, which will make eleven ministers for a population of two thousand souls. In such a multiplicity of opinions, among a small population, a minister has not the opportunities of usefulness, nor of gaining support, that he would have, were the population larger, or the number of sects less. In fact, such a state of things, from the fastidiousness, "itching ears," &c., it creates, renders the path of the minister one of self-denial and labour, and frequently exposes him to mortification and neglect; and he will be under strong temptations to abandon his post, if he is not cheerfully and generously sustained by the brethren with whom he is connected. I may also add, that what is applicable to the towns, is becoming, to a certain extent, applicable to the rural districts. The real destitution is in the Bush. As to my own cause, my congregations are not so large as when my chapel was first opened. Individuals who worshipped with us from motives of convenience, have left, now they have ministers of their own order, or, because they have regular services twice on the Lord's-day, in their own churches. But still, the church has increased, and the finances have improved. Since the formation of the church, I have received sixty-one members, two have died, nine have been dismissed to distant churches, two have been expelled for intemperance, three have returned to the Secession-forty-five are now in communion. Of this number, fourteen have been received during the last three months. Seven I had the happiness of receiving at the Lord's table last Sabbath, one of whom was received by letter, six from the world, the fruit of my own ministry. In the month of May last, two deacons were chosen. The one residing in the town is a comfort to myself, and a blessing to the church. My engagements are as follows:-Sabbath morning and evening, London. Afternoon, Westminster. Week-day, one prayer-meeting, two Bible classes, two sermons. I am very happy to inform you that a holy feeling, and an increased concern for the enlargement of Zion, pervade our little communion. And, relying upon Divine promise, faithfulness, and power, we have resolved upon holding special services for the revival of religion, commencing on the last Thursday in the year, some of my brethen having promised to assist me.

I cannot close this communication without referring to the extension of the temperance cause in this town and neighbourhood, and from which, I anticipate the extension of the cause of Christ. When you gave us your very effective temper ance speech here, in January last, our London society numbered about 100 members. We have, now, upwards of 700, after having given up fifty to form a military society in the town. At the urgent request of the society, I went to Montreal, as its delegate to the temperance convention, in June last. My pulpit was supplied during my absence by one of the students from our Academy. At the request of the convention, at which I presided, I have accomplished two temperance tours, which took me from my pulpit two Sabbaths, but which was acceptably supplied by a lay brother, a Mr. Silcox, an English Independent, who regularly preaches in his own neighbourhood, about twenty miles from hence.

During these tours, I travelled nearly 500 miles, attended twenty-seven meetings, where I either preached or delivered temperance addresses, originated fifteen new societies, and, through the Divine blessing, obtained about 450 names to the total abstinence pledge. Some of these societies are in a very flourishing condition,

in which are to be found persons, formerly the pests of their neighbourhood, now sober, industrious, virtuous, and even "clothed, and in their right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus." On account of these services, the following resolution was passed, in the largest meeting ever convened in this town, held in the large Methodist chapel last Monday week, by the whole assembly rising up.

Resolved-"That this society expresses its thanks to the Rev. W. Clarke, for his indefatigable zeal in the promotion of its interests, and for his unwearied exertions in the cause of temperance generally."

Whatever view may be taken of these excursions, I believe all will give me credit for good intentions; but I conscientiously feel that I acted under the direction of Providence, and regard them among the most useful exercises of my life. And though I would not neglect the important and direct duties assigned me by the Colonial Mission, yet, I trust I may be permitted to embrace every opening and opportunity which may be presented for promoting an enterprize, which I regard as closely identified with religion aud godliness. With kind remembrance to your family, in which Mrs. C. unites, I am, yours truly,

W. CLARKE.

FINANCES FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.-This subject continues to cause the Committee great anxiety. The appeal for aid put forth in the month of January, February, and March, of last year, obtained more, by £500, than has been received this year by similar appeals, up to this date. Many brethren, who obtain annual assistance for the Society, have not yet sent their remittances. They are earnestly requested to do so without delay. The income of the Society for the present year will, it is feared, be seriously deficient. Contributions will be gratefully received by either the Treasurer, J. R. Mills, Esq., or by the Secretary, the Rev. A. Wells, at the Congregational Library, Blomfield Street, Finsbury.

TRANSACTIONS OF CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES.

CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF ENGLAND AND WALES.

THE TWELFTH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF ENGLAND AND WALES, will be held in the Congregational Library, Blomfield Street, Finsbury, on Tuesday, the Tenth of May, and, by adjournment, on Friday, the Thirteenth of May.

The committee announces, with great pleasure, that the Rev. Dr. Leifchild has engaged to preside in the meetings of the Assembly; that the Rev. John Roaf, of Toronto, is expected to represent the churches of Canada amidst the assembled brethren of the father-land; and that the Rev. Dr. David Russell, of Dundee, will appear among his English brethren, as the representative of the Scottish Congregational Union. Beloved brethren in Christ, from the Continent of Europe, have also expressed their intention to be present as witnesses of the proceedings of the Assembly, and for Christian fellowship with our brotherhood.

The meeting of the Colonial Missionary Society will be held as usual on the morning of Friday, the Thirteenth of May.

The affectionate intercourse of the brethren in the engagements connected with the Union, will be closed by the usual plain entertainment, provided in the Library immediately on the close of the meeting of the Colonial Society.

SYLLABUS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL LECTURE FOR 1842.

The Rev. WALTER SCOTT, Theological Tutor and President of Airedale College, Bradford, Yorkshire, will commence a course of Eight Lectures on The Existence and Agency of Evil Spirits, at the Congregational Library, London, Wednesday evening, April 6th, at Half-past Six o'clock, and continue them on each succeeding Friday and Wednesday evening, till concluded.

LECTURE I.-April 6th. INTRODUCTORY. Existence and Origin of Moral Evil— Mysteriousness, interesting nature, and importance of the subject-Propriety of investigating it-Spirit in which it should be done. Two difficult Questions.1st. How did sin enter the Universe?-Different theories.-The Manichæan-Eternal natural necessity-Decrees of God-Free will of the creature-Calvinistic view of this subject-Edwards-Dr. Williams-Arminian hypothesis. 2nd. Why was sin permitted?—Different hypotheses-None of them satisfactory-Some important general principles-Necessity of modesty-Utility of this inquiry.

LECTURE II.-April 8th. THE EXISTENCE OF EVIL SPIRITS. Credulity and incredulity contrasted-Influence of the Scriptures on the general belief respecting Evil Spirits-Evidence from reason, analogy, and facts-Demons of the HeathenConnexion of the doctrine with other tenets-Evidence from Scripture for their existence-The clearest passages examined first, such as 2 Pet. ii. 4, John viii. 44, &c. &c.-Russell Scott's interpretation refuted-Diabolus-Satan-The evidence and principles applied to more obscure texts, such as Gen. iii. &c. &c.

LECTURE III.-April 13th. THE STATE, CHARACTER, AND POWERS OF EVIL SPIRITS. Their original state-Perfect in purity and happiness-Their powers in that state inferred from the Scriptural accounts of good angels-Different ranks or orders-Their chief or ringleader-Edwards's views on this point-Their first sinIts influence-Change which it must have produced-Their depravity—Condition hopeless Intellectual powers great-Can they operate on matter?-Relation of spirits to place-Have they material vehicles?-Does sin necessarily weaken the intellectual powers?—Influence of Satan on the calamities of Job-Do they cause diseases, &c. now ?—Spiritual influence.

LECTURE IV.-April 15th. AGENCY OF EVIL SPIRITS AS IT REGARDS THE HUMAN RACE. Intercourse with our world-Statements of Scripture on this subject, rational and accordant with fact-Witchcraft and its kindred arts possible-in some respects probable-Exod. xxii. 18, &c. examined-Why witchcraft was punished with death-The magicians of Egypt-Balaam-The Witch of Endor-Simon Magus -Stories of modern witchcraft-Character of supposed witches, and the witnesses against them-Influence of knowledge and learning on witchcraft.

LECTURE V.-April 20th. ORACLES. Sybils-The heathen oracles-Had Evil Spirits any share in them?-Generally at least managed by craft-Some of their principal responses and supposed prophecies examined-Cessation at the birth of Christ-Opinions of the fathers respecting them-Second sight, &c.

LECTURE VI.-April 22nd. DEMONIACS. Theory of Lardner, Farmer, and others, investigated and rejected-Real possessions-Some of the principal cases examined— Why so common in the time of Christ ?-Belief and testimony of the primitive Christians-Are there any cases of possession now?

LECTURE VII.-April 27th. TEMPTATION. The temptation of Christ-Hypothesis of Farmer and others considered-Was Christ tempted merely by suggestion? -Common theory the most probable-The different temptations examined.

LECTURE VIII.-April 29th. ORDINARY TEMPTATION. Satan does tempt men to sin-How?-Some principles on this point certain-Does he know the thoughts?