are to be found scattered here and there amongst the fixed stars.

"But astronomical observations have unfolded other properties peculiar to this star, giving us an insight into a physical composition sensibly different from that of others around it. This has been attained from the observation of its spectrum as viewed through a spectroscope attached to an astronomical telescope.

"On looking at an ordinary star through a spectroscope, its spectrum is seen with transverse dark lines across it, similar to Fraunhofer's lines in the solar spectrum. Some of these lines are common, or nearly so, in most stellar spectra; while each star has generally, in addition, its own peculiar dark lines. This seems to show that, whereas certain metals or gases are indicated as being present in the majority of stars, each one contains materials peculiar to itself. Now, this marvellous star in Corona Borealis, which has so astonished us all, has not only the ordinary stellar spectrum with the dark lines across it, but there is also a second spectrum, apparently superposed upon the other, in which four or five bright lines have been observed. Mr. Huggins, who has devoted his whole astronomical attention to this class of observation, has, in conjunction with Dr. W. A. Miller, concluded that the light of the star is compound in its nature, and that it has really emanated from two different sources. Mr. Huggins remarks that each light forms its own spectrum. The principal spectrum is analogous to that of the sun. The portion of the star's light represented by this spectrum was emitted by an incandescent solid or liquid photosphere, and suffered partial absorption by passing through an atmosphere of vapours existing at a temperature lower than that of the photosphere. The second spectrum, which in the instrument appears on the one already described, consists of five bright lines. This order of spectrum shows that the light by which it was formed was emitted by matter in the state of gas rendered luminous by heat.' Independent observations made at the

.

Royal Observatory, Greenwich, principally by Mr. Stone and Mr. Carpenter, and at the Imperial Observatory, Paris, by MM. Wolf and Rayet, gave results confirmatory of those made by Mr. Huggins and Dr. Miller.

"Such, then, is a brief account of the analysis of the light emitted from this temporary, but brilliant visitor to our sky; showing, with little doubt, that, from some unknown cause to us, it must have been the subject of a terrible catastrophe at a period perhaps distant; for it must be borne in mind that, owing to its immense distance from us, we may be only witnessing the calamity of a past age. From the sudden blazing forth of this star, and then its rapid fading away, Mr. Huggins and Dr. Miller have suggested that, in consequence of a great internal convulsion, probably a large quantity of hydrogen and other gases were emitted from it; 'the hydrogen, by its combination with some other element, giving out the light represented by the bright lines, and at the same time heating to the point of vivid incandescence the solid matter of the photosphere. As the hydrogen becomes exhausted, all the phenomena diminish in intensity, and the star rapidly wanes.' That hydrogen gas in a state of combustion was present is very probable, for, by comparing simultaneously the bright lines of the stellar spectrum with those of hydrogen produced by the induction spark taken through the vapour of water, it was found that two of the lines sensibly coincided. During a discussion on this star, at a meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society, on June 8, the Astronomer Royal expressed his firm belief that this wonderful object was actually in flames.

"The previous history of this burning star is very slight. Sir John Herschel, in mapping the stars in this region some years since, appears to have inserted one which cannot be found at present. It does not, however, agree precisely in position with the present object. But, after all, though it has been only lately shining equal to a star of the second magnitude, it is really not

a new one, but is identified as the same as that, a very minute object of the ninth or tenth magnitude, observed by M. Argelander, of Boun, on the 18th of May, 1855, and on the 31st of March, 1856-its exact position, which accords with that determined from recent observations, being inserted in one of his published catalogues.

If we were inclined to speculate on this unique astronomical phenomenon, or on the probable consequences arising from such a sudden outburst of fiery gas, what an extensive subject for contemplation is opened to us! Astronomically we have known this minute star for years without suspicion; it has been classified with others of similar magnitude; it has only been one of the many millions of such: while now it will be remembered by all future generations as one of the most extraordinary among the most celebrated stars of the universe. Or let our speculations be carried a little farther, and let us reasonably suppose this small and hitherto nearly invisible object to be an immense globe like our own sun, surrounded probably with planets and satellites depending upon their centre for light and heat. What would be the effect of this sudden conflagration on them? It makes one almost shudder at the idea of a system of worlds being annihilated at once without warning. But such must doubtless be the fact. We, however, in this quiet world of ours, can scarcely, perhaps, realize such a catastrophe; but were our sun-which is only a star analogous to those in the heavens around usto be suddenly ignited in a similar manner to this distant and unknown sun, all its attendant planets and satellites, the earth included, would be destroyed."

In reference to the subject treated in the foregoing article, we may quote the following from a recent number of Galignani:

"At last week's sitting of the Academy of Sciences M. Faye spoke at some length on the question of new stars and variable ones. After adverting to the rarity of the former, and stating that Mr. Birmingham in

Ireland was the first to perceive, on the 12th May last, the star which appeared in Corona, and which is not a new one, but merely No. 2,765 of Argelander's catalogue, and which, being only one of the ninth magnitude, and hence invisible to the naked eye, suddenly burst forth on that date with considerable splendour, M. Faye states that it attained its maximum brilliancy almost immediately, and that it has now gradually dwindled down again to its original size. M. Faye holds the opinion that the stars hitherto mentioned as new are merely old ones which suddenly increase in brightness, owing to some (volcanic) convulsion."

POPERY ALARMED AT THE PROGRESS OF LIBERTY.

EVENTS which have liberated Italy and caused nations to rejoice, have filled the magnates of Popery with alarm. Everywhere, from Rome to Ireland, there is the evidence of papal consternation. Cardinal Cullen has addressed a letter to all the Roman Catholic bishops of Ireland, in which he says:-"The recent events in central Europe, and the approaching recall of the French forces from Rome, have led to a crisis in which the authority, and even the personal liberty, of the Sovereign Pontiff are placed in imminent peril, by being left at the mercy of the infidel party in Italy. Several of the bishops of Ireland, who have honoured this diocese by assisting this day at a Pontifical High Mass, celebrated in the cathedral for the welfare of our Holy Father, have expressed their opinion that this Catholic nation ought to mark, by some solemn act, its sympathies with the persecuted Pontiff, and its detestation, both of the treachery of the false friends and of the violence of the open foes of the Apostolic See." Dr. Gilloby, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Elphin, has addressed a circular to his clergy on the subject. He says:-"The public prints have already informed you of the new dangers which bezet our Holy Father. He is now threatened not only with the loss of the remnant

of his temporal dominions, but even with the loss of liberty, perhaps of life. There is no crime so heinous which the renegades and infidels of Italy are not prepared to commit in pursuance of their wicked designs. Their hatred of our holy religion is so intense, that, if not restrained by force, they will seize on the Papal States; sack and close the churches; banish or imprison the clergy; and spare no violence to enslave and suppress the authority of the Holy See. A crisis is at hand. According to the nefarious treaty of September, concluded without even the knowledge of the Holy Father, between the traitorous protector and the declared enemy of the Papacy, the protection of Catholic France will shortly be withdrawn from our Holy Father -the French troops will be recalled from his territory. Then will the agents of the excommunicated King of Sardinia and of the secret societies re-establish their reign of terror in Rome, and drive the weak and corrupt Romans to vote the deposition of the Pope and the annexation of

the Papal States to the kingdom of Italy; then will be completed the spoliation of the Vicar of Christ, not less by the cowardice and treachery of his friends than by the injustice and impiety of his foes; then will all the powers of hell be exerted anew to crush his spiritual supremacy. He will not be left whereon to lay his head. Like his Divine Master, he will be loaded with insults and charged with crimes; he will be deprived of liberty, it may be, of life. Such are the events which, in the ordinary course of human affairs, we may expect very soon to witness."

THE TEMPLE OF CAPERNAUM.— Mr. Keith Johnston and other gentlemen engaged in the exploration of Palestine have discovered at Tell Hum the ancient temple of Capernaum, nearly if not quite entire. The interest of this discovery is very great, since there is no other building at the present day which can be identified as one of those in which Jesus actually was.-Edinburgh Courant.

CONNEXIONAL PROGRESS. OUR friends will find pleasure in perusing the interesting reports of material progress in Manchesterthe opening of a new chapel in Boston Street, and the building of a Sunday-school in Pendleton, and both sustained by very liberal contributions, such as place the responsible friends above any serious anxiety. It is likely that our next issue will record services in connection with the opening of another chapel in Manchester, and another in Blyth. May God impart his richest blessing to these noble efforts to promote his glory, and the salvation of precious souls! The commencement of a new chapel at

Ardsley, in the Barnsley Circuit, affords us much pleasure. We remember Ardsley, and its worthy friends, thirty-five years ago, when we worshipped in a place which, we believe, was originally intended for a chapel, but which, after its erection, was equally divided between the claims of the spiritual and the secular, the lower half being assigned to tenants, and the upper half to religious worship. We are glad to find now that a new and commodious chapel is required, and we hope it will be filled with spiritual worshippers.

It is very gratifying to our minds that a lay friend-one of the best men in the Connexion-has sent an

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article on the work of God. commend it to the serious perusal of our readers. If ministers and layfriends unite heartily in prayerful labour, we shall doubtless have a prosperous year.

CONNEXIONAL INCREASE. DEAR SIR,-Every friend of our beloved Connexion is wishful to see an increase in its number of members during the present year. To this subject you have already directed the attention of your readers in an article in the September Magazine, entitled "The Year upon which we have entered." A second reading of that stirring appeal would, I am sure, do good to all who feel interested in our prosperity.

In furtherance of the same object, I beg to lay before your readers a few thoughts which, I trust, will meet with a candid reception.

1. Is an increase possible? It may seem like trifling to ask such a question; but we read that, "He that cometh unto God must believe that he is;" and so all who would have a revival of pure religion amongst us must be fully persuaded of its possibility. Low as may be the spiritual condition of any of our churches, they are, thank God! not beyond the reach of redemption. They may be revived, and, therefore, an increase is possible.

2. May we expect an increase? Yes; if we use the right means to bring it about. The Apostle Paul was inspired to write, "God giveth the increase." The present tense is employed, implying that he graciously gives, or is ever giving the increase. If some churches by their worldliness and apathy are unprepared, he gives the increase to others who pray, believe, and labour for it; just as he does to the farmer who cultivates his land and performs all

the conditions required for securing an abundant harvest. The American Methodist Churches are zealously employed in efforts to save their fellow-men, and the Great Head of the Church is favouring them this year with an increase, it is stated, of

THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND MEM

BERS. Had we "planted and watered"-performed the required conditions-we also should have had to rejoice over an increase, instead of having to lament a decrease for the past year. How sad and condemnatory the reflection that, through our supineness and indifference, souls may have perished for whom Christ died, and whose salvation we -instrumentally-might have secured. I would not, as do some, put the entire blame upon our ministers. The pew, as well as the pulpit, needs to be aroused; and, perhaps, the former more than the latter. The question of degree of blame we leave. I feel deeply humbled while I write, and have need of pardoning mercy for past shortcomings. Take the expostulation kindly, my brethren. Let us not accuse cach other, but be up and doing-pray, expect, and work for a revival, and we shall have it. It will not do to just "keep up the numbers," and "get up the funds," to enable us to pass muster at the District Meeting and Conference, and then go home in self-complacency, and "sit at ease in Zion" for another twelve months. Apathy in commercial life is intolerable, because it is suicidal. I write as a business man. I have to stir, and every one around me has to stir, to secure the bread that perisheth. And shall we be less diligent about the bread of life? Were we all-preachers and laity to manifest the same anxiety to "get on" in religion that we do in family and worldly concerns, our churches would be built

up and sinners in large numbers converted, our Sunday-schools would be crowded and our congregations overflowing, and everywhere the cry for enlargement and extension would be heard. Let us be encouraged. The Word of God by its precepts, promises, and revival records, declares that we can have an increase if we only use the Bible-appointed means to procure it. The history of the Church, from the Day of Pentecost to the last Conference, affirms the same truth. The signs of the times, the gracious quickening which some of cur people feel, the importunate faith of our men of prayer, all lead us to expect a speedy and genuine revival of the work of God throughout our Connexion.

3. When shall we have the increase? God's answer is now. “Now is the accepted time." "The time to favour Zion, the set time has come." It is this very month-this very day, and this very hour. Brother! Sister! have you got the revival? If not, down on your knees, and ask for it of your heavenly Father, who waits to pour his Holy Spirit, more willingly and abundantly than any earthly parent will give good things unto his children. And having got the revival yourself, talk and pray about it-indoctrinate your fellowmembers with it-hold special prayer meetings with all who will joindon't censure those who hold aloof, but pray for them-wrestle-believe -visit-work in any way for Christ -plan-contrive; and by the October Quarter-day the Connexion will be in a blaze of revival glory. Our beloved Connexion shall " yield her increase, and God, even our own God, shall bless us" with prosperity through all our borders. That such may be the case is the earnest prayer

OPENING OF A NEW CHAPEL,

MANCHESTER SOUTH CIRCUIT.

THE new chapel in Boston Street, Hulme, was opened for public wor ship on Sunday, September 2nd. Our esteemed president, the Rev. Samuel Hulme, preached in the morning from Ps. lxxxvii. 3, to a large and admiring congregation, and the Rev. William Cooke, D.D., in the evening from Rom. viii. 17, when the chapel was filled, every aisle and available spot being occupied by attentive listeners.

On Monday evening a public teameeting was held in the adjoining. schoolroom, when upwards of 350 persons were present. After tea the friends re-assembled in the chapel, under the presidency of one whose love and attachment to our beloved community in general, and to this circuit in particular, has never waned -Theophilus Jackson, Esq., of Middleton. The opening hymn having been announced by the Rev. J. Medicraft, the Rev. John Addy man, an old and a much-beloved friend, engaged in prayer, after which the chairman called upon Mr. H. J. Cutter, the secretary to the Trust Body, to read the report, an abridgment of which is now presented to our readers:--

"Mr. Chairman and Christian Friends, This chapel and the adjoining school have been erected for the use of the society and congregation which formerly worshipped in Ebenezer Chapel, Peter Street. Several years ago the question as to the desirability of disposing of that estate was entertained by the trustees, and, after much consideration, decided upon; but, owing to reasons beyond their control, it was not until the month of October, 1862, that the trustees finally closed the chapel. The Rev. John Taylor, then superintendent of the circuit, had a short time previously been commissioned

to look out a suitable site for a new chapel and school in this locality, and the Peter Street trustees, after inspecting the only likely and available sites, selected the one on which this chapel and schoo! now stand, and authorized Mr. Taylor