STRANGE PATRONAGE

OF IDOL.

ATRY IN INDIA. Until recently, temples were not only managed, but presents were given to the idols, in the name of the British Government; and Brahmins were employed to bring down rain by incantations. I remember well, when at Conjeveram, of visiting a Vishnu temple there. We asked a respectable native whether he could arrange for Mr. Johnston and myself to see the temple early in the morning. He said he would go and arrange the matter with the churchwardens for so he spoke of the Brahmins, who are the guardians of the temple; and so it is that we find in documents that this used to be called the Established Church!-Dr. Duff.

LIVERPOOL IN 1780.-The "good old town" is thus described, as it appeared, sixty-nine years ago, to the late Mr. Samuel Curwen, in his journal, under date of June 12th :-"Entered the city of Liverpool, so celebrated for its commercial character. Houses by a great majority in middling and lower style, few rising above that mark: streets long, narrow, crooked, and dirty, in an eminent degree. During our short abode here we scarcely saw a well-dressed person, nor half-a-dozen gentlemen's carriages; few of the shops appear so well as in other great towns; dress and looks more like the inhabitants of Wapping, Shadwell, and Rotherhithe, than in the neighbourhood of the Exchange, or any part of London above the Tower. The whole complexion nautical, and so infinitely below our expectations, that nought but the thoughts of the few hours we had to pass here rendered it tolerable. The docks, however, are stupendously grand; the inner one, called the Town Dock, lying in the centre of it, and filled with vessels, exhibiting a forest of masts. Besides this, are three very large ones lying in front of the city, communicating with each other by flood-gates, intermixed with dry ones for repairing. The lower or new one has a fine wide quay on its outer side, an agreeable walk, being lined with trees on either hand; below this, on the river, is now building, nearly finished, a circular battery, with embrasures for thirty cannon. Parade and barracks are in hand, and, when completed, will afford a charming walk and prospect, if allowed to the inhabitants. Liverpool, June 12th.-Taking a cir

cuitous ramble through this, to us, disgustful place, returned to inn, paid our bill, and entered the carriage we came in."

THE WASTED FLOWERS.-On the velvet bank of a rivulet sat a rosy child. Her lap was filled with flowers, and a garland of rose-buds was twined around her neck. Her face was as radiant as the sunshine that fell upon it; and her voice was as clear as that of the bird which warbled at her side. The little stream went singing on; and with every gush of its music, the child lifted a flower in its dimpled hand, and, with a merry laugh, threw it upon its surface. In her glee, she forgot that her treasures were growing less; and with the swift motion of childhood, she flung them upon the sparkling tide, until every bud and blossom disappeared. Then, seeing her loss, she sprang on her feet, and, bursting into tears, called aloud to the stream, "Bring back my flowers!" But the stream danced along, regardless of her tears; and as it bore the blooming burden away, her words came back in a taunting echo along its reedy margin. And, long after, amid the wailing of the breeze, and the fitful bursts of childish grief, was heard the fruitless cry, "Bring back my flowers!" Merry maiden ! who art idly wasting the precious moments so bountifully bestowed upon thee, see in the thoughtless, impulsive child an emblem of thyself. Each moment is a perfumed flower. Let its fragrance be dispensed in blessings on all around thee, and ascend as sweet incense to its beneficent Giver. Else, when thou hast carelessly flung them from thee, and seest them receding on the swift waters of time, thou wilt cry, in tones more sorrowful than those of the weeping child, "Bring back my flowers!" And the only answer will be an echo from the shadowy past, "Bring back my flowers!" -Lowell Offering, a Periodical ducted by Factory Girls:

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CAPE-HORN. The poetical descriptions that former navigators have given of this celebrated and dreaded promontory, occasioned us to feel a degree of disappointment when we first saw it; for although it stands prominently forward, a bold, almost perpendicular headland, in whose outline it requires but little imaginative power to detect the resemblance of a "sleeping lion, facing and

braving the southern tempests," yet it is part only of a small island, and its elevation, not exceeding five or six hundred feet, conveys to the mind nothing of grandeur. But the day was beautifully fine, so that it is probable we saw this cape of terror and tempests under some disadvantage. We passed it at three P. M., at the distance of about a mile and a half, which was as near as we could approach it with prudence, by reason of the dangerous rocks which lie off to the east and west, and whose black points were rendered conspicuous by the white foam of the breakers, amongst which numerous

seals were sporting. There was some snow on the summit of the Cape, and its sides were clothed with a brownish coloured vegetation; beyond it, the shores of the island consisted of black vertical cliffs, with a curiously-cleft rock at its north-western extreme. As we stood across the Bay of St. Francis, we were struck with the wildness and beauty of the scenery, its numerous islands and lofty peaks, more particularly those of Hermite Island, whose southern extreme forms the bold perpendicular promontory called Cape-Spencer.-Ross's Antarctic Voyage.

BRITISH SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL AMONG THE JEWS.-At the late Annual Meeting, Mr. Yonge, the resident Secretary, read the Report. A change most favourable to Christian effort had recently passed over the Jewish people: they were now in general possession of the New Testament, and were acquainted with its contents. An illustration of this was lately presented by a learned Rabbi, who, in contest with a Roman Catholic antagonist, met and refuted his every argument by quotations from the New Testament. But though the Jew was in a great measure free from the rabbinical usages which once closed his ear against scriptural argument and persuasion, he was as yet unacquainted savingly with the truth which would alone make him free indeed. The column had been stripped of its ivy, but it was marble still; the dry bones had assumed the semblance of life, but there was no breath in them. The Society's Missionaries at home and abroad bore unequivocal testimony to the fact, that there was an increasing facility for the diffusion of Christianity amongst the Jews;

and that there were numerous believers on the Lord Jesus Christ whose faith was not yet sufficiently vigorous for open avowal. During the past year, five individuals, who had been instructed by the Missionaries in this country, had been baptized, on evidence of their piety. A Jewish youth, for a short time an Assist. ant Missionary, had gone to Australia, leaving here, among the results of his early zeal, a young man first led by him to that anxious inquiry which issued in his conversion; and he had recently been received into the college as a student. One of the Missionaries told of the free access he had to Jewish families, the constant visits of inquirers to his house, the growing distaste for the Talmud, and the attendance of Jewish families with delight on the ordinances of Christian worship. He told of a dying Jewess, whose spiritual interests he had watched for many months, who declared all her hope to rest on the infinite mercy of God, and the all-sufficient atonement of His Son, and who recommended to her children her Bible as a more precious legacy than her property. Another Missionary considered the amount of

positive benefit in his district as beyond calculation. Another referred to an instance of serious conviction awakened in the mind of a Jewish gentleman, by his attendance at the last Anniversary of the Society. He also told of a dear child to whom he had given and explained the New Testament, avowing, in the presence of her Jewish parents, her love to Jesus, just before her spirit took its flight; and of an eminently pious Christian lady, by birth a daughter of Abraham, first led to prayerful inquiry by the scriptural, persuasive eloquence of a little boy, a Collector for this Society. The female Scripture-reader found great cause for encouragement. Thirty persons had subscribed for and purchased, and ten more were subscribing for, the entire Scriptures; twenty-six Jewish females regularly attended her Bible-class; and seven more families were willing to be visited, and let their children attend once or twice a week. The past year had closed the educational course of the first students in the Missionary College. One had withdrawn a few months ago to pursue medical studies, but still with the view of devoting himself to the spiritual good of his brethren. Six of them having given entire satisfaction to their tutors, and individually expressed their solemn resolution to dedicate their lives to the cause of their brethren, had been publicly set apart as Missionaries, and were now engaged in the work. The college was again opened, and had received four students. From abroad, Mr. Stern reported, that five persons had been baptized at Frankfort during the year. Mr. Gottheil presented the most

urgent motives for strengthening the Mission in Germany. He had established a monthly periodical, translated and distributed a number of the Society's tracts, and disposed of 799 copies of the holy Scriptures. He earnestly appealed for a Mission to the 670,000 Jews in the Austrian empire.

GRAND DUCHY OF POSEN.-During Easter, (1850,) Brother Czerski made a preaching tour through the province, and met, everywhere, with a joyful welcome. The days are gone by when we were hailed with showers of stones, and our sermons interrupted by hisses or threats of violence. Those things were all the result of priestly machination, and, as that influence wanes, opposition to us ceases: and on this occasion all, whether Poles or Germans, crowded to hear sermons; and, when our place of worship was filled to overflowing, the multitude stood in the street around it, notwithstanding the intense cold with which we were then visited. Can there be a stronger proof of our victory over the Romanists ? Czerski was here, the joyful intelligence reached him that the entire Roman Catholic congregation in Latabie had, on Good-Friday, abjured Rome, and desired to join itself to our communion! Truly it would be difficult to imagine a more appropriate celebration of our Lord's resurrection-festival, than this intelligence furnished us! I hope to be able to visit the new converts, God granting health and strength, at Whitsuntide.— Pastor Post, in " Evangelical Christendom."

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MARCH 19th, 1850.-At Harrogate, Mr. George Horner, aged fifty-six. His conversion, which occurred at the age of sixteen, was clear and decisive; and his connexion with the church continued unbroken to the end. Diligent in attendance on the means of grace, and exemplary in deportment, he laboured to adorn the Gospel of God. As a Class-Leader, his fidelity and affection won the regard of his members. His last affliction was protracted and severe, accompanied by peculiarly painful circumstances. But his faith proved equal to the trial, and his mind was kept in perfect peace. His last words were, "All is right." Resting on the blood of the eovenant, he departed to be with Christ.

J. P. L.

March 20th.-At Morley, in the Birstal Circuit, aged sixty-seven years, David Scholes. When about twenty-two years of age, by an affliction which appeared to be unto death, he was brought seriously to consider his ways. He sought and found redemption in the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of sins; and united himself with the church. During his subsequent life, he walked worthy of his vocation, adorning in all things the doctrine of God our Saviour. By the Divine blessing he was enabled to bring up, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, a family of twelve children; and had the happiness of witnessing their conversion and union with God's church. On the Sabbath before his departure, he attended the love-feast, where he

testified his love to God, and his gratitude for having enjoyed the privilege of uninterrupted union with the people of God, for more than forty years; adding, that, should he be spared fifty years longer, he still hoped to be a Wesleyan Methodist. On the Wednesday evening following, he attended the preaching, and returned in his usual health. After expressing praise for God's mercies, he lay down to sleep, and in ten minutes escaped to the paradise of God. J. P. S.

March 30th.-At Lofthouse, aged sixty-one, Mrs. Hannah Mollard, of Knaresborough, and widow of the Rev. Thomas Mollard. She was born at Madeley, and was privileged to attend the religious services conducted by the devoted Mrs. Fletcher. Her conversion, which occurred in the eighteenth or nineteenth year of her age, was marked and decisive: her spiritual consolations were abundant, and her conduct was highly exemplary. As the wife of a Wesleyan Minister, she discharged the responsible duties of that station with great fidelity and acceptance. The loss of her faithful and affectionate husband in 1827 was acutely felt; and its effects were never fully removed. During her last affliction her soul was graciously sustained. No fear of death disturbed her serenity and peace; and, after assuring her sorrowing family of complete and final victory, she calmly fell asleep in Christ.

May 11th.-At Whickham, in the Gateshead Circuit, Mrs. Mary Hunter, aged sixty-nine years, thirty-seven of which she had been a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist Society. For upwards of thirty years she had resided in the above-mentioned village, and during that period her house was always open to receive "the messengers of the churches," whom she cheerfully and hospitably entertained for their Lord's sake. Her death was rather sudden, but peaceful. She was enabled calmly to repose on the atonement of Christ. Not long before she died she said to her daughter, "I feel much at the prospect of leaving you; but I am perfectly resigned to the will of God." She soon after fell asleep in Jesus. T. S.

May 13th.-At Cules, in the Lowtherston Circuit, Ireland, Mr. Robert Ingram, aged fiftythree. For about thirty years he was a member of Society, and for several years he sustained the office of Class-Leader with prudence and effect. Though not favoured with a liberal education, he expressed himself with accuracy, because he was well acquainted with "the holy Scriptures, which are able to make wise unto salvation." He had also considerable poetic talent. He was very retiring, and had the most humble views of his religious attainments; but he "walked with God," and his consistent life secured the esteem of all who knew him. He often passed through deep waters of affliction; but holy resignation

marked every step. He took a lively interest in the late revival of God's work in his neighbourhood. But for some months past his health was declining. During his last illness it was truly delightful to hear his expressions of unshaken confidence in the atonement. He was enabled also to commit his afflicted wife and family into the hands of an all-sufficient God. His final hour was marked by that "majesty in death" which vital religion alone can inspire. He selected Psalm exvi. 15,-" Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints,"-as the subject on which he desired a funeral address to be founded. This was accordingly done, in the midst of a large and sorrowing circle of friends. W. G. C.

May 14th.-At Stockton-on-Tees, Miss Mary Bailes, in the seventy-fourth year of her age. She was brought to God in early life, and was for more than fifty years a member of the Methodist Society. She delighted much in the means of grace, was regular in her attendance on them, and adorned her profession by a holy life. At times she was severely afflicted; but in all circumstances she acknowledged God, endeavoured to commit her ways unto Him, and in everything to seek His glory. Her death was somewhat sudden; but by Divine grace she was prepared for the event, and in confidence and peace passed to her eternal rest. W. B.

May 17th.-At Malton, Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Thomas Bartindale, in the forty-fifth year of her age. In early life she was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus," and joined the Wesleyan Society; to which she was firmly attached to the day of her death. For many years she had to pass through painful affliction; but she had peace with God and joy in the Holy Ghost through faith in the precious blood of Christ. Her death, at last, was unexpected; but her dying words were expressive of her firm reliance on God her Saviour. When taking leave of her husband and children, who were collected together at her bed-side, she said, "I am going to leave you in the wilderness; but not without a Prince and a Saviour to guide you. Praise the Lord! Thou wilt not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax. How is it that Thou deignest to look upon such a worm as I am?" She then fell asleep in Jesus. J. H. F.

May 18th.-At Leeds, South-Parade, in the Second Circuit, aged sixty-one, Mary, the widow of the late John Howard, Esq. For about thirty years she had been a steady and consistent member of the Methodist Society. Although she had been subject to occasional indisposition, her family had not the slightest impression that life was about so soon to close. The disease, however, suddenly assumed a more decisive form, and she gently sunk into the arms of death. Her character was marked by great humility and frankness. She was warmly attached to the church with which she had been so long connected, and was anxious to be useful. When visited by her Ministers and other friends, she expressed her confidence in Christ, and her exclusive trust in His merits for salvation. In