wants, for the advancement of truth and piety. It is not half a century since we were brought from a state of slavery and oppression, into which the unhappy revocation of the edict of Nantz had precipitated us; but, you know, the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. During the proscription, zeal for religion was unshaken, the manners of the persecuted, which were the fruit of their faith, were most pure; the calm which succeeded the storm, toward the end of the reign of Louis XV. spread Jukewarmness and indifference. An ́archy, in consequence of the revolution, produced ungodliness and immorality, so that divine worship was entirely abolished, and there were no longer faithful pastors, or the means of edifying their flocks, and instruct'ing their children, by their exhortation and example. Since the law of the 18th Germinal, in the year 10, worship being established every where, gave us an opportunity of giving our Churches a legal organization, which, in preserving our ancient discipline and the synod, has not left it in the power of any one to deprive us of it; but the difficulties we had in obtaining a convocation under the preceding government were great. We have no personal persecution at present, and have no communication with sy nodical assemblies, in consequence of which we are fallen into an unhappy insulated state, which renders each church an independent consistorial, and at liberty to follow or not the Articles of our ancient discipline, from which results there is an easy introduction to difference of opinion as to the doctrines, worship, and use of the sacraments, and in the application of the canonical censures, and penalties

relative to the abuses which often creep into the faith and conduct of the people. However, sir, these inconveniences must necessarily be felt less in this department than in others not so favoured where the pastors are less numerous and less united, therefore we have the advantage of them. We conciliate, and endeavour to do what we can; but far from being able to do the good we wish, power and aid are wanting; our country Churches are poor, the greater part of them have neither temples, nor zeal, for the observation of the Lord's-day. The pastors cannot establish Schools, for the religious education of children, for want of money. It is only the principal churches which have been able to form them for the poor, and they are insufficient, and we cannot dissimulate, that the two grand obstacles that exist are from two principal causes; the first is, that the children of the peasants and mechanics, know not how to read, and those are the most numerous of the people; the second is, the want of religious books in those who know how to read, which renders instruction painful, and unprofitable to the teachers.

I have seen, by an extract of letters written by Mr. Martin's son, whom you have now in London, which his father communicated to me, that you and your illustrious co-operators, are disposed to favour the efforts of ministers in France, for the propagation of the gospel. Receive, my dear sir, the expressions of lively gratitude, and be assured our prayers will never cease to be offered up, that the Almighty may deign to crown your labours, and favour you with his blessing. I am, &c.

J. DERMENT.

IRELAND.

Extracts from the Correspondence of the Baptist Society, for promoting the Gospel in Ireland.

From a Pedobaptist Minister, in the county of Sligo, dated Dec. 14, 1814. You have done me an act of kindness by sending the Irish Testaments

to my care. It affords me great pleasure to lend an helping hand to such a good work. I hope you will not forget to employ me in any thing in which I can be useful to the Society, free of expense; for to be candid with you, my circumstances will not bear much in that way.

I sent forty Testaments to Mr. H. and B. H. got some for the use of his daughter's school; Mr. M. has also got some of them.

When you requested me to give some of these away, I did not think there was any person who would read them near this place; but I have great pleasure in saying I found many. I have given away about thirty; all, excepting two, to Catholics; and only one of them had ever read the Scriptures be'fore. I have already heard many pleasing accounts of persons who are reading them to their friends and neighbours.

There is one way in which I think Irish may be taught to great advantage; I mean by evening schools. I am certain were persons employed in this way; say two, three, or six evenings in the week; the expense would be small, and many, both adults and children, would attend them.

From one of the Society's Readers in the province of Connaught, dated Jan. 23, 1815.

I have very pressing calls from four different and distant places, in consequence of not only the youth, but the aged men, being as eager to obtain knowledge as the children. Some of them begin to think seriously of what they have heard, and only, like the eunuch, want one to instruct them. The Lord, I plainly see, is preparing men's hearts for the reception of his word; and what is most hopeful, is, that by mild perseverance the dread of the priests will shortly die away.

I have gone through the neighbourhood, and have read the Scriptures, and spoken to them "as they were able to bear it." By these means they came and begged Testaments for their children that could read. The simplicity of the poor people was such, that they thought as they could read the English, they had nothing to do but set to and read the Irish in like manner. But when I perceived the

mistake, both in them and in myself, I was put to a great stand; as I had given them books they could not read: nor could I procure any one to instruct them. So I concluded it was my duty to exert myself in whatever way I could be most useful; and therefore I assembled all the Readers at my own house; struck out a new plan; and in a very short time I had twelve out of twenty that could read to the satisfaction of any man. But you are

to observe, the days that other schools were idle, such as Sabbaths, Christmas-time, and holy days, these were our most active times: old as well as young were thronging. Then as I was to leave the place, and lest the spark should be extinguished, it was with sorrow of heart I thought of parting from them. I accordingly separated them into two parties, and ap pointed J. H. and E. H. to teach both old and young, whoever applied, in evening schools. I allow two shillings per week, and candles; for which they are very grateful. Of these two I have great hopes, as their exertions are very great.

From these small beginnings it is not casy to calculate how far the sound of the gospel is extending; as there are several men who have six or seven children now learning to read the Irish Testament: the Lord only can give the increase. There is not a house, or place, where I have yet read the Irish Testament, that I have not found some impressions; and until now, the scarcity of readers of Irish was so great, that the Testaments printed by the Bible Society were of no use. One of the men I have employed about six miles off, came to me this morning and requested eighteen Testaments, in addition to six which I gave him at the commencement: though I employed him only for Sabbath reading to his neighbours; yet he is instructing both old and young to read. I told him I would represent his exertions to the Committee.

I have employed seven others; six of whom I know are fulfilling their duty. As for the seventh, he is far off on the borders of the counties of Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon. I appointed him to read to his neighbours, and gave him two Testaments: but my principal view was that it

would be an introduction for me into the wild, wicked part of the kingdom, which I intend to visit, as there are few, if any, that can read the Irish; and it is not taught, except in a few of the Hibernian schools. I will exert myself whilst the Lord is pleased to spare my health, in bringing the gospel to their ears; no one can have a more free reception. I was told by one 'it was very odd I was getting no opposition, it was not a good sign.' I answered, that is often the case, but for my part I would have greater hope where the door would be opened for me, than shut against me.'

Excommunication.

The following are the facts of a cause which was tried before the Hon. Mr. Justice Day, and a Special Jury, at the Cork Assizes:-A Baker of the name of Donovan, brought an action against the Rev. Mr. O Brian, vicar-general to Dr. Coppinger, titular. Bishop of Cork, and Roman Catholic parish priest of Clonakilty. The damages were laid at 5001. It appeared on the trial, that a subscription had been set on foot by the priest, for the purpose of building a Roman Catholic chapel. Donovan was order ed to pay, as his affixed quota, the sum of 16s. 3d. which he accordingly did. He was afterwards called upon to pay 9s. this sum he likewise paid, but observed, that he was very poor, and that he could not afford it. A third demand was made on him by the priest of 15s. which Donovan refused to comply with. On Donovan's going to mass the following Sunday, he was asked by the priest whether he would pay the 15s. or not? He answered, that he was not able. The priest rejoined, "I will settle you." Terrified at this observation, Donovan sent by his wife 16s. to the house of the priest, who refused then to take less than two guineas. On the following Sunday the priest cursed from the altar all those who had not paid their demands towards building the chapel. Donovan went on the next holiday to mass, and was formally excommunicated, and the people denounced as cursed and contaminat

ed if they should deal or hold any communication with him. This threat was so effectual, that no one of the country people would sell a sod of turf to Donovan to heat bis oven; and he could not even sell, in his own name, such flour or stock as lay on his hands. Reduced almost to despair, the baker went in a white sheet to the chapel, as a voluntary penance, and asked pardon of God and the priest for his disobedience; and was there, by the priest, desired to attend him to his house, where he again demanded from him the two guincas, which Donovan assured him he could not possibly make up. The excommunication was, therefore, continued in full force against him, and he was consequently obliged to shut up his house. The above facts were incontrovertibly proved by two unwilling witnesses. The Jury, after a very able charge from the Learned Judge, found a verdict for the plaintiff with 501. damages.

From a letter from Mr. M'Carthy.

Jan. 25, 1815.

As to the prospect of good being done, I think there is a glorious one. I have a most convenient place for preaching in Tullamore; the congregation is daily encreasing, and I hope by the divine blessing much good will be done. At Athlone the fields are white unto harvest: my ministry is always attended by some of the most respectable people, as well as by the poor of the town. The last time i was there I had about 150 hearers. I hope about twelve persons have received divine impressions under the word: these meet me after preaching to speak about the things of God. At Ferban and Craggen my congregations are wonderfully encreasing. I have conversed with 12 or 14 persons who professed to depend alone on the righteousness of Christ for eternal salvation. Craggen was one of the most barren places in the kingdom, totally destitute of a gospel ministry. At Eglish, or town-heath, I have had about 40 or 50 Catholics, besides protestants, who seemed to receive the word joyfully. Two or three of the

Catholics were under convictions. The Priest hearing of this his indignation was raised against us; and on two successive Sundays, before my last visit, he warned them not to hear me again, on the penalty of excommunis cation. He told them he would neither marry them, baptize their children -give them the Sacrament, nor anoint them when dying. Many of them told my friend Mr. W. they were exceedingly sorry, as my preaching had affected their minds more than all the priest had ever said to them; but that they were afraid to come, as the Priest had all power, and if he had a mind, he could change them into a black stone: however, some of them were at my last sermon.

Í have much encouragement at Port-Arlington: I have in general good congregations.

At Rosenallis last Monday the people came for two or three miles round, and the place was so crowded that they could not all get in. Truly we had a memorable season, yea, an epitomize of heaven!

I am invited to several other places. I never can be sufficiently thankful to the Lord, who is giving me the esteem of the people all through the country, in all the places where I have laboured. Yours, &c.

J. M'CARTHY.

London Hibernian Society. We are happy to find that notwithstanding the opposition that has been raised against the schools established by the London Hibernian Society, by priestly influence in Ireland, the number of children which attend them is increasing. By the last quarterly return from one of the principal districts, it appears there has been an increase of 1200 scholars. Many pleasing instances of the utility of teaching the children of Catholics to read the scriptures are coming to the knowledge of this Society. A boy about 10or 12 years ofage, named Thady H. who had been kept by the schools, notwithstanding the threats of the Priests, and who was reading the Testament in the school; refused, when the Priest was anointing a dying man, to hold out his hand to receive the holy water, which on those occasions

is profusely sprinkled. Being asked by the Priest the reason for his profane conduct, the boy replied, with great simplicity, Why Sir, I have read the Testament through and through, and I have not met in the words of Christ or his Apostles, one word about holy water! and If it was any good, sir, would not they have commended it? Though the Priest said nothing to the boy, yet he resolved to punish the mother; or, at least, to make her an example of his high displeasure, according to the power which the keys of St. Peter had, through the Pope, entrusted to him. Accordingly, on the next Sunday, before a large congregation, he passed sentence of excommunication, by bell, book, and candle. Thus, so far as he was able to do it, separating the poor heretical mother, from the church of God on earth; and depriv ing her of all hope of entering heaven hereafter. Notwithstanding all this, the poor woman continued unintimidated, and still sends her boy to school.

A young man, who resided in the vicinity of the schools, merely from reading the Scriptures appears to have been made wise unto salvation. Being apparently at the point of death, his mother was very importunate to get the priest to anoint him. Hearing the conversation of his mother, he revived, to the astonishment of all present, and told her that he would have no priest, nor any of his rites; but that if she insisted upon bringing him, he would speak to him as the Lord should enable him; and perhaps, added he, the Lord may make use of my dying words, to rescue him from bis dangerous situation.

In another district, a catholic who had access to the scriptures, was very desirous to possess a Bible. At length he purchased one, and began to tell his neighbours of the important discoveries that he had made upon the subject of religion? The Priest soon got intelligence that M. was tainted with strange doctrines, and coming to his house, seized the Bible, and carried it off in triumph; though he afterwards sent him the sum he had paid for it. The Rev. Mr. S. a pious clergyman, hearing of the distress felt by