A VOICE FROM THE ALPS.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

THE object of the Editor, in sending these addresses and discourses before British Christians, is not only to communicate the very gratifying details which they contain of the revival of pure religion at Geneva and in France, but also to enlarge their hearts with more extended feelings of sympathy respecting the state of the Protestant churches, and to lead them to take a lively interest in their revival, and share its blessedness by their prayers and contributions.

Mr. Burgess kindly communicated his valuable address to his clerical brethren, which contains a simple and comprehensive statement of the origin of these truly pious efforts, and much information respecting the present state of the churches.

The Address of Mr. Merle d'Aubignè, giving an account of the Geneva school, is important from the full information which it gives respecting it; and as bringing before the Protestant churches those great

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principles of union which bind them together amidst all minor differences.

His three discourses are in the same large and comprehensive spirit of Christian wisdom, truth, and love, which marks his two volumes of the History of the Reformation. They are their own letters of commendation. The address and these discourses have been translated at the request of the Editor, by those who had a real pleasure in endeavouring to promote the object aimed at in this publication.

Effectual aid may be given to this work through a Committee recently established, called the London Central Committee in aid of the Sociétés Evangéliques both of France and Geneva. This Committee is well calculated to be the channel of conveying the deep sympathies and affections of the Church of England and of the Protestant church of Ireland for the spiritual prosperity of our Protestant brethren abroad. The last report gives such a clear and distinct account of the efforts which have been made, that I will give nearly the whole of it, and then add a few farther remarks on the duty to which we are called.

The one comprehensive object of the sociétés evangéliques is the dissemination, by various simple, but, through the divine favour, effective methods, to the utmost extent of the means placed at their disposal, of the doctrines of salvation, in opposition to the infidelity, superstition, and heresy, which, until the recent revival of pure and undefiled religion in those countries, prevailed almost universally throughout both.

The Genevan society is the elder of the two: it was formed in 1831. The degenerate state of the doctrines of the Reformation, in that once celebrated church, and particularly the Unitarian system of theology which was taught the candidates for the sacred ministry, from the chair of Theodore Beza, called forth the zeal and energies of several of the clergy, and influential laymen, who still adhered to the faith

of their ancestors. Their first step was to found a theological seminary, in which the great doctrines of Christianity, as acknowledged in all the reformed churches, might be made the basis of the education of young men designed for the ministry. It is unnecessary to enter into the theological history of the Genevan church: it may be sufficient to state, in the language of the founders of the Société Evangélique, when addressing the Council of State upon the establishment of their theological school-that circumstances had rendered such an institution indispensable for the preservation of an orthodox ministry in their churches. It was not founded, nor is it carried on, in a spirit of opposition or contention, but in the true spirit of Christian zeal and love. Its object is twofold— to revive the faith at home; and to extend its influence abroad, especially in the neighbouring provinces of France.

By extraordinary exertions, which were attended by extraordinary blessings, the Genevan society was soon afterwards enabled to build a chapel (oratoire), and to supply it with ministers of sound religious views, and of acknowledged piety.

During the seven years that have elapsed since the establishment of the theological school, a considerable number of students have passed through the institution, and there are now twenty-six under instruction.

The president of this institution is M. Merle d'Aubignè: M. Gaussen, formerly pasteur of Satigny, in the canton of Geneva, is divinity lecturer: and Messrs. De la Harpe and Pilet take the exegetical department, in the Old and New Testament, respectively.

These are the efforts which the Société Evangélique has made, to revive the faith once delivered to the saints,' at Geneva; but, in the true spirit of the primitive church, no sooner had the society secured its existence, than it began the work of propagation. A number of agents were employed to carry Bibles and religious tracts into France. These men, actuated by the holy desire of seeing their countrymen rescued from that ignorance and superstition from which they themselves had been delivered, travel on foot, with their books on their backs; and, under the humble title of colporteurs, or carriers of packs, go from village to village, disseminating the holy scriptures. They are followed by another

class of agents, called 'evangelistes,' or scripture readers; and those again by the regularly consecrated ministers. Thus, under the direction of the Société Evangélique of Geneva, churches, or bodies of reformed Christians,-in some instances, amongst the descendants of the persecuted Protestants of a former age,-have been collected, in some districts of France, principally in the department of the Saone et Loire. Many interesting details of the labours of the 'colporteurs,'' evangelistes,' and 'ministres,' have been transmitted from time to time to the London committee; and portions of these have been already circulated, in occasional papers published by this committee, in which form similar details will continue to be given.

These missionary efforts of the Société Evangélique of Geneva could not fail to create an interest, wherever they became known. Friends and supporters have been raised up in various parts. Contributions were received from other cantons of Switzerland, from Holland (including a donation from the king), from Sweden, from America, and from this country.

It was for the purpose of drawing attention to this new field of evangelical labour, that a corresponding committee was formed here in the year 1832.

In the following year the Société Evangélique de France was formed. Its object was expressed in the first article of its constitution: 'La Société Evangélique de France a pour seul but, de propager les vérités evangéliques en France, par tous les moyens que Dieu mettra à sa disposition.' The committee of the Paris society consists of many of the most distinguished Protestants in France, both ministers and laymen. Amongst them may be enumerated, M. Juillerat Chasseur, president of the Consistory of the Reformed Established Church at Paris; MM. Grand Pierre, Monod, Stapfer, Admiral Comte Ver Huel; Mons. de Pressensè, treasurer; Comte Delaborde, advocate.

It was obvious that the two societies, kindred alike in their principles and objects, must seek and cherish the alliance of each other. It was by a special direction of Providence, as it appears to this committee, that the Genevan society turned its earliest attention to the formation of its Ecole Theologique.' If the remnants of the reformed churches were to