pendencies in India, and among the Chinese, seem like a prelude to those convulsive throes of Popery which prophetic visions teach us to look for, ere the millstone is cast into the sea, and Babylon falls.-The peculiar aspect of political affairs, the breaking up of parties, the reckless attacks made on long cherished principles and long settled convictions, the avowed support of forms of malignant errors spread over the horizon, their murky clouds of future distress, perplexity, and dissension, such as the latter days will usher in the progress of Christianity among heathen nations, though far from general, or adequate in the remotest degree to our concep tions of "the knowledge of the Lord, covering the earth as the waters cover the sea,' ,"*—is yet so striking as to arouse the attention of the thinking mind to these ulterior results. The knowledge of these things, while it keeps us from being unduly excited by a fanatical because ignorant notion of its nearness, is well calculated to keep us sober and watching unto prayer, for the end of all things is at hand.

Passing over the intervening continental countries, we wish to draw the attention of our readers to that vast and most interesting dependency of the British Crown, INDIA. Events are transpiring there, which every real Christian cannot but hail with delight, as likely to pave the way for its ultimate conversion to Christianity. There was discovered some time ago, in a district of country partly in the Bengal and Madras presidencies, bordering on the Godavery river, the existence of human sacrifices, to a frightful extent. The people who were found to be involved in the practice, are the Kauds; and their country is somewhat larger than Scotland. A bill has however been lately published in India, to institute means for effectually abolishing this diabolical custom. This will, of course, cause British agents to be stationed among them, and bring them into closer connection with the government; and we hope that thus a door will be opened for the diffusion of Christianity there. Another measure, bearing date 15th January, 1845, has been likewise sanctioned, to abolish the law which previously existed, entailing the forfeiture of all possessions and property, on converts from the Hindoo or Mahomedan religions. This as it may be supposed, exercised a great influence over the native mind, and must have prevented many from embracing Christianity, through fear of total ruin. The removal of it will, consequently, give (we hope) an

*Nor are we to anticipate, it is clear from Scripture, the universal progress of Christianity over the earth before our Lord's coming; for "when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith in the earth? is doubtless equivalent to a negation.

additional impulse to true religion, and overthrow one bar, at least, to its spread and triumph.-Our readers cannot but have remarked the project for a railway through the Peninsula, the importance of which, if carried into effect, can scarcely be overrated. The native mind will imbibe more the habits and sentiments of Europeans, facility of communication will cause an increasing interchange of opinion, European literature will become more diffused, the barriers of caste must be shaken, and break down, and we trust, with God's blessing, Christ's holy religion be propagated. There are so many interesting topics connected with this subject, that we fear we shall overstep our limits, if we proceed; but we beg to refer our readers for a good account of the present state of India to "Weitbrecht's Missions in Bengal."

ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE.-The Bishop of Calcutta has lately made a very wise and spirited reply, in answer to an address presented to him by the Propagation Society, with reference to the suspicion which has of late spread abroad relating to the society. We We may state, that he confirms the truth of it, by narrating the unpromising state of their missions near Calcutta, “a blight—a temporary one only, (he hopes)-over the harvest;" adding, that where Tractarian sentiments have prevailed among the missionaries, "they are doing incalculable mischief in their respective spheres." He also expresses his disappointment at the present prospects of Bishop's College, of which he is the visitor. We trust that this society, which has facilities for unbounded good within it, will effectually relieve itself from a suspicion, so injurious in its tendency, if unfounded, and so distressing in its effects, if true. We ought to add, that the Bishop speaks with pleasure of the zeal and faithfulness of their missionaries in South India, Pope, Caldwell, Camerer, and others.-Our readers will be glad to hear, that, the German reformer CZERSKI, has written a strong letter, condemnatory of the socinian and rationalistic movement, in that country. -A charge, lately delivered by the Primate of Ireland is well worthy of a perusal, as it refutes the charges, so often made during the last session of Parliament, of the unbounded wealth and vast vast revenues, and, we may add, uselessness of the Irish Church.

OBITUARY.-The Bishop of Bath and Wells; Earl Spencer; Marquis of Ely; Marchioness Dowager of Downshire; Sir John Mordaunt, M. P.

FOSTER, PRINTER, KIRKBY LONSDALE.

THE

TEACHER'S VISITOR.

No. 20.

DECEMBER, 1845.

VOL. III.

"WE SPEND OUR YEARS AS IT WERE A TALE THAT IS TOLD.”

MINGLED and deep are the emotions which are awakened in a reflective mind, when contemplating the fact that another brief revolution of time has been completed, and is now numbered with the years before the flood. Let us pause for awhile on the remembrance of the departed year, fraught as it has been with mercies and trials, joys and sorrows, smiles and tears, disappointed hopes and realized desires. Looking abroad upon the varied characters and circumstances of the human race, in how widely diversified a manner will the past year have passed to each of them. But we desire to dwell more minutely on the prospects and circumstances of the children of God, who, though differing it may be on many points, are yet one in Him. Many a devoted servant of the Redeemer has been growing in grace, increasing more and more in the knowledge and love of Him, and daily pressing forwards to the heavenly inheritance. Many a young and weak disciple has been built up and strengthened. Many a disobedient heart, by the working of the Eternal Spirit, has been turned to the wisdom of the just. Oh! that we dared to hope there are none who did run well, but have gone back, and walked no more with Jesus. Oh! that we could indulge the idea that there were none who once sought the truth in sincerity, but have turned aside to empty forms and cold-hearted ceremonials, or who have been beguiled from their stedfastness by this present evil world.

Turn we to those to whom, since the dawning of the past year, it has been given to eat the bread of sorrow, and to drink deeply of the waters of affliction. How

many a kindly circle has been broken up by the hand of death! how many a vacant seat do we behold around our social hearths! Will there not be some who may read these pages whose hearts have been laid desolate by the severing of earth's dearest ties, and friendship's sweetest bonds! How many a fair brow is resting on the cold pillow of the grave-how many a bright eye, whose sunlight cheered and blessed our weary pilgrimage, is closed for ever! How many a lip, whose eloquence charmed, whose sweet counsel has guided us, is silent in the tomb!

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Christian mourner, is it for one who sleeps in Jesus that your tears are falling? is it for one who, "stedfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in charity," has passed the dark waves of this troublesome world, and has reached the land of everlasting life? I beseech you sorrow not as those without hope." Would you call them back, to mingle again in your cares, and anxieties, and sorrows? Look onwards to the dawning of a brighter day, when those that sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. Oh! if he be making up his jewels, and by every sign is proclaiming to his waiting people, "I come quickly," let us "lift up our heads, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh." Blessed be God, amid this vale of tears there are yet a few bright spots amid the desolation-some precious flowers amid the barren wilderness. Many a full heart can respond with beaming gratitude, "Goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life."

Dear friends, if the sunlight of peace and joy gleams brightly over your pathway, and life is wearing smiles for you, pour out your hearts in praise and thanksgiving but do not be tempted to rest amid the flowers, or fondly to dream your day will know no shade of evening. Let the reminiscences of the departed year, of what nature soever they be, call loudly on us all to stand upon our watch-tower.

To a Christian mind how deeply painful is the present state of our beloved Church! Oh! that we waited more earnestly upon our God in prayer, that he would correct us, but in judgment, not in his anger, lest he bring us to nothing. Oh! that these schisms, divisions, and

heresies, and want of brotherly love, now so prevalent among us, would send us right humbly to the mercy-seat, there to find help in this our need.

Since the commencement of the year which has just closed, how wide, how rapid has been the stride of error amongst us! The enemy of souls is busy in accomplishing the most profoundly skilful plot against the welfare of the Church of Christ, especially that branch of it established in this our land, which, with all his subtility, and all his deep experience, he ever yet devised—the most mischievous, because the best adapted to the present views and tastes of men, and the corrupt workings of our vile hearts. Oh! that we may be led to a deep humiliation, as a Church and people, before the hand of God, now laid so heavily upon us. The time is short. May the Lord send forth his Spirit amongst us, and with great might succour us.

Dear friends, guard against the first step in these souldeadening errors. Bring all to the test of God's word. Be much in prayer. Let us especially, who are permitted to engage in the sweet privilege of teaching others, especially the lambs of our Master's flock, be found walking closely with God. And then let the darkest storm sweep over us, and the whirlwind of temptation threaten to engulph us, let all earthly consolations be dried up; still we shall fear no evil: the rod and staff of a reconciled Father will be our guide and support, even unto death. New trials, new cares, new joys, new duties lie before us in this present year; therefore let us go humbly, yet faithfully, to our work for God, ever remembering that it is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts.

A TEACHER.

DEATH OF MR. W. KIRK.

REV. SIR,-Mr. W. Kirk was second master of the free grammar school, Sheffield. His amiable and holy character will be apparent on reading the papers I enclose. Early in March, of this year, he was present in school at the usual time, and on the same day was summoned to meet his God. Although for many years his every day life had born witness to his real piety, and his consequent moral excellence and fitness to die, it was, nevertheless, a matter of much