and the East, where the light of the Gospel had shone so gloriously, again falling into darkness; nor has that darkness yet, during the centuries that have elapsed, been lifted up: missionary zeal and missionary love have done something; may they be continued and redoubled! We owe much to these places, for we have received what they lost; may we remember our debt, and be active in its discharge. But little more shall I have to say of the regions where Ignatius, and Polycarp, and Cyprian, and many more, shed a radiancy of Christian glory : "their candle is, alas! put out in obscure darkness;" the flood of light which then poured upon them, has since rolled to lands that formerly knew it not. Oh who would wish to monopolise its brightness, or refuse to hold out its ray to guide back the benighted sons of Africa and the East to the "light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ."

CENTURY VII.

CONCLUDED.

CHURCHES OF ENGLAND, IRELAND, AND GERMANY.

THE history of the church in this century has been striking, eventful, and gloomy, as relates to the East and it is pleasing, after so melancholy a scene as its review presents, to turn for refreshment to the West, and see there the state of the church of God.

However the Roman missionaries might have erred in the propagation of Christianity in Britain, we have proof that religion spread and prevailed there, through most part of the seventh century. The prospect, indeed, was clouded for a little time upon the death of Ethelbert, king of Kent, mentioned in a foregoing story, and the accession of Eadbald, a bad man, who, incensed at the remonstrances and admonitions of the missionaries, drove them from his kingdom; but when Laurentius, the successor of Augustine, was preparing to follow, Eadbald, alarmed at the thought of losing all his Christian teachers, entreated him to remain,

listened to his advice, repented of his conduct, was baptised, and became a supporter of Christianity. Bede, a name well known in the ecclesiastical history of Britain, and generally accompanied with the title of Venerable,' gives an account of the church history of his country, as far as the year 731. He was born A. D. 672, near Durham, and seems to have lived a pious and useful life, and, though affected with the prevailing superstitions of the growing church of Rome, to have been a sincere and devoted Christian. His history is darkened by superstition, and the tales to which it gives rise. It is said, for instance, that Laurentius was induced to go to Eadbald before he left his dominions, in consequence of a dreadful whipping given him by St. Peter, in the church, as a correction for cowardice.

These superstitions, which were

introduced

by the communion of the English and Roman churches, seem not to have reached to Ireland, where religion and learning jointly flourished, and combined in this dark age to distinguish that little island. The work begun by Patrick had prospered, and learning, civilization, and the culture of genius followed Christianity, and seemed to take refuge there when ignorance and barbarity had usurped their place in other lands; and there the light of truth long struggled with the darkness which the superstition of men was elsewhere flinging over it. In an ancient chronicle, the history of Ireland

in this century is thus shortly delineated,. ' Ireland was filled with saints, their schools were renowned for ages.'

The usefulness of Irish Missionaries is recorded in England, Scotland, Germany, and many other parts.

Aidan, in England, was a successful and zealous teacher, and his piety is attested by ancient historians. The church of Ireland refused to join with the English church, which was in communion with the see of Rome, which see, in conformity with the maxims it was beginning for some time back to hold, and holds still, wished for a general conformity of the churches to its practices, forms, ceremonies, and observances: I think it was about the year 716, according to Bede, that this separation ceased to exist, and the Irish church became united with that of Rome.

Idolatry was not yet expelled from Europe; in the northern parts paganism yet entrenched itself, but the labours of Missionaries, who in this century carried the gospel tidings to Germany, Batavia, and Belgium, were blessed with success. These Missionaries were furnished by the British isles: the most distinguished seem to be two saints of the Irish calendar, Columban and Kilian, and a companion of the former, named Gal. The former was the means of evangelizing many of the German nations, the latter chose for his sphere one with which I think you are acquainted, about the lakes of Zurich and Constance.

The story

of Kilian is more remarkable, and nearly resembles that of John the Baptist. In Germany, a Pagan duke, by his teaching, was induced to embrace Christianity, and many others did the same but this duke, like Herod, was married to his brother's wife, and Kilian thought it necessary, like John, to reprove him for her. Gosbert, the duke, did not act the part of Herod, and shut up Kilian in prison, perhaps he knew he ought to do as he wished, but he delayed, and promised that when he returned from an expedition against some of his enemies, he would no longer scandalize Christianity by keeping this woman for his wife. You remember how Herodias contrived to get the head of John the Baptist. Gosbert's wife adopted a simpler plan than getting her daughter to "dance before him;" she took occasion of her husband's absence and murdered Kilian and his companions.

Elio, bishop of Noyon, was likewise instrumental in the conversion of the Germanic nations; but his character and doctrine seem not only so sadly tinged, but so deeply dyed with the superstitions and the erroneous doctrines of the Romish faith, that from the little I know, I could not, like a celebrated historian of the church, tell you of his evangelical success; for I do not see how a man could spread evangelical religion, who could teach that if men offered 'tythes and oblations, lighted up candles in the consecrated places, went frequently to church, and with all