to the great joy of the clerical party, but to the chagrin of the more intelligent and liberal portion of the French people. Italy, a nation of twenty-five millions, treated like a child that has been crying for some coveted bauble, is rudely informed that its "national programme "-one solemnly voted by its constitutional representatives, the dream of the patriotic statesman Cavour-must not be carried out. The continued occupation of the Papal territories by French troops is sure to intensify the anti-Gallican feelings of the Italian people, and may eventually involve the two countries, if not the whole of Europe, in war. One good, however, may possibly result from the indefinite postpone ment of what lately appeared so imminent the destruction of the Pope's temporal power; and that is, that Italy may be led to quarrel with his spiritual pretensions. Hitherto the subjects of Victor Emmanuel have been opposed to Pius IX. in his character as sovereign of Rome. What they have yet to learn is to oppose his ecclesiastical claims, and to reject the elaborate system of religious error of which he is the head. Italy has her Garibaldi: she needs a Luther. Will the policy of Napoleon unintentionally help to produce him?

The Fenian attack upon the prison van in Manchester has been completely thrown into the shade by the attempt to rescue "Headcentre" Burke, by igniting a barrel of some explosive substance close to the wall of the Clerkenwell House of Detention. Never, perhaps, in the history of atrocious crime, was there such a reckless disregard of the lives of the innocent and unoffending, as was shown by the miscreants who laid half a street

in ruins for the problematical accomplishment of a desperate object. In every Protestant Lord and Commoner, Guy Fawkes recognised a real foe of the Church which he wished to serve; but what had the quiet inhabitants of Corporation-street done, that, without a warning or chance for escape, their houses should be hurled down upon their heads, maiming them for life, or killing them on the spot? The disregard for the lives of the little children, playing, unconscious of their danger, near the deadly barrel; and for the wives of honest artisans, preparing their husbands' meals, is almost equalled by the unreasoning expectation of the desperadoes of rescuing a prisoner, while imminently risking his life. The whole affair presents a picture of crime, as senseless as diabolical. It should not be forgotten that this murderous deed was preceded by ostentatious displays of sympathy on behalf of the three men executed at Manchester. The funeral processions which took place in London and elsewhere, doubtless exerted a mischievous influence upon the excitable and ignorant agents of Fenianism. That the rescue of Kelly and Deasy was not a crime against common and statute law, but an act of honourable war; that killing Sergeant Brett was not murder, but a merc political homicide; that Allen, Larkin, and Gould, were not assassins, but heroes and martyrs, for whose souls masses are to be piously celebrated in Roman Catholic chapels: if these be the views extensively entertained, then it can be no wonder that the Clerkenwell outrage should have taken place. It will be thought by many that the bold way in which sympathy has been shown for the executed Fenians,-or, more properly, disloy

alty to the crown and the constitution of the country, by this marshalling of mock funerals, has not been interfered with too early by the Government. One thing, at least, the movement, while it lasted, has brought out, the alarmingly extensive sympathy with Fenianism that exists amongst the Roman Catholic populations of England and Ireland. It is deplorable that disaffection should be so widespread; but since it exists, it is better that the Government and people of this country should know it, and prepare accordingly. It will help to dispel not a few illusions on the various methods proposed for the pacification of Irish Romanists. No doubt there are many Roman Catholics whose fealty to the throne is unimpeachable; but so long as that throne is filled by a Protestant, according to the requirements of the constitution, so long will the tendency of that political religion which teaches that a primary allegiance is due to a foreign potentate be unfriendly to thorough loyalty. A few priests, it is said, have refused to say masses for the Manchester murderers; and the Bishop of Beverley issued an address to the Roman Catholics of Leeds, dissuading them from a procession which the authorities had prohibited. He addresses them as, "My dear children in Jesus Christ." Would that, in Paul's sense of the phrase, they were "in Christ Jesus!" Then, instead of whisky-drinking and fighting, making additional work for the police, giving trouble to the magistrates, and constituting large proportion of the prisoners that occupy Armley jail, they would, as new creatures in Christ Jesus," give evidence that "old things are passed

66

away, and that all things are become new."

The Ritualists continue to labour hard to bring England down to the condition of Ireland and Spain. They are not to be suffered, however, to un-Protestantize the country without a struggle. The Evangelical clergy and laity of the Established Church are girding themselves for the fight. At a most important meeting, held at Willis's Rooms, they solemnly re-asserted the anti-sacerdotal doctrines and anti-Papal protests of the Church of England. In order to bring to a legal test the doctrinal teaching, as well as the ceremonial observances, of the National Church, they have resolved to raise a fund of £50,000. Meanwhile the battle in the law courts has begun, in the case of Martin versus Mackonachie. When Sir R. Phillimore was the leading counsel for the Ritualists in this case, he used all his legal dexterity to divert the court from the main issue, by raising objections on technicalities, and thus causing delay. Since then he has been promoted to the bench as Dean of Arches, and is now actually sitting in judgment on the very cause in which he was the leading advocate for the defence. He attempted, it is true, to delegate his power to two surrogates; but his previous colleagues in the case have obtained a mandamus from the court of Queen's Bench, compelling him to act as judge himself. After hearing Dr. Archibald Stephens, whose remarkably able speech for the prosecution extended over four days, the Court of Arches, with the delay characteristic of ecclesiastical litigation, has adjourned the further hearing of the case to the 13th of January. If the

decision be in favour of the principles of the Reformation, there will be cause for rejoicing; but, if otherwise, the nation must rise in its majesty and say, If Popery is

to be the religion of the Estab. lishment, there shall be no Established Church.

December 16th, 1867.

TALMUDIC

PROVERBS.-Even when the gates of prayer are shut in heaven, those of tears are open.-Prayer is Israel's only weapon, a weapon inherited from its fathers, a weapon tried in a thousand battles. When the righteous dies, it is the earth that loses.-The lost jewel will always be a jewel; but the possessor who lost it, well may he weep.-The reward of good works is like dates, sweet and ripening late. The dying benediction of a sage to his disciples was, "I pray for you that the fear of heaven may be as strong upon you as the fear of man. You avoid sin before the face of the latter: avoid it before the face of the All-seeing."-"If your God hates idolatry, why does He not destroy it ? " a heathen asked. And they answered him, "Behold, they worship the sun, the moon, the stars; would you have Him destroy this beautiful world for the sake of the foolish?"-He who has more learning than good works is like a tree with many branches, but few roots, which the first wind throws on its face; whilst he whose works are greater than his knowledge is like a tree with many roots and fewer branches, but which all the winds of heaven cannot uproot.-Love your wife like yourself; honour her more than yourself. He who forsakes the love of his youth, God's altar weeps for him.He who sees his wife die before him has, as it were, been present at the destruction of the sanctuary itself: around him the world grows dark.-It is woman alone through whom God's blessings are vouchsafed to a house. She teaches the children, speeds the husband to the place of worship and instruction, welcomes him when he returns, keeps the house godly and pure; and God's blessing rests upon all these things. He who marries for money, his children shall be a curse to him. The house that does not open to the poor shall open to the physician.-The birds in the air even despise the miser.-He who gives charity in secret is greater than Moses

himself. Let the honour of thy neighbour be to thee like thine own.-Rather be thrown into a fiery furnace than bring any one to public shame.-There are three crowns of the law, the priesthood, the kingship; but the crown of a good name is greater than them all.-Iron breaks the stone, fire melts iron, water extinguishes fire, the clouds drink up the water, a storm drives away the clouds, man withstands the storm, fear unmans man, wine dispels fear, sleep drives away wine, and death sweeps all away, even sleep: but Solomon the wise says, Charity saves from death. How can you escape sin? Think of three things: whence thou comest, whither thou goest, and to whom thou wilt have to account for all thy deeds; even to the King of kings, the All Holy, praised be Ile.-Four shall not enter Paradise the scoffer, the liar, the hypocrite, and the slanderer.-To slander is to murder. The cock and the owl both await the daylight. "The light," says the cock, "brings delight to me; but what are you waiting for?"-When the thief has no opportunity for stealing, he considers himself an honest man.-Thy friend has a friend, and thy friend's friend has a friend: be discreet. The camel wanted to have horns, and they took away his ears.-The soldiers fight, and the kings are the heroes.-The thief invokes God while he breaks into the house. After the thief runs the theft; after the beggar, poverty.-While thy foot is shod, smash the thorn.-When the ox is down, many are the butchers.Descend a step in choosing a wife, mount a step in choosing a friend.-If there is anything bad about you, say it yourself.--Beat the gods, and the priests will tremble. -The sun will go down all by himself, without your assistance. The world could not well get on without perfumers and without tanners: but woe unto the tanner, well to the perfumer!-No man is to be made responsible for words which he utters in his grief.-He who is ashamed

will not easily commit sin.-There is a great difference between him who is astaned before his own self, and him who is only ashamed before others.-One contrition in man's heart is better than many flagellations.-The last thief is hanged first.-Teach thy tongue to say, "I do not kow."-The heart of our first ancestors was as large as the largest gate of the Temple, that of the later ones, like that of the next large one; ours is like the eye of a needle. -Drink not, and you will not sin.-Not what you say about yourself, but what others say. Not the place honours the man, but the man the place. From the Quarterly Recien.

DISCOVERIES IN SYRIA.-Lovers of

biblical antiquities will rejoice to hear that the excavations now being made in Syria have resulted in the discovery at Nadir Sarape, of a Hebrew honse dating from about the second century before Christ. Some of the rooms, with their contents, are in perfect preservation, among the latter being a number of Hebrew books, showing that the house belonged to a literary man. Besides the books of Moses and the Psalms of David, there is a collection of Hebrew poems, absolutely unknown to the Orientals of our day. These interesting remains, many of which bear traces of Egyptian origin, have been sent to the Asiatic Society of London.Christian Work.

THE

FIJI.

MURDER OF THE REV. THOMAS BAKER AND NATIVE TEACHERS BY CANKIBALS.

A FEW days ago it was my painful duty to address a letter to the Rev. S. Rabone, General Secretary of the Australasian Wesleyan Missionary Society, informing him of the melancholy event that has just covered our pulpits with mourning, and filled our hearts with the bitterest sorrow.

As the occurrence is of such mournful interest to our friends everywhere, and to the public generally, I herewith, to save time, send you a copy of that letter, which contains full particulars of the recent massacre of my late esteemed colleague, the Rev. Thomas Baker, and his companions.

After more than eight years of hard and successful work among these savage tribes, my brother missionary has been treacherously murdered by cannibal hands.

This loss falls heavily on our Society, bat indescribably so on the heart of one who, with her three fatherless little girls, is now preparing to leave these shores with many a lingering and heartbreaking look towards the dark hills in the distance, whence a loved one will never return.-Rev. Jesse Carey, Rewa, August 22d, 1867.

[Want of space prevents our giving more than detached portions of this letter as it appears in the "Notices."]

A FEW days ago I was thinking about sending you a few facts respecting the work of God in this Circuit, when suddenly my mind was disturbed, and my heart wounded, by news of one of the most dreadful calamities that has ever happened in the history of Missions. It is now my painful duty to tell you of a deed of darkness, which has sent a thrill of horror through the heart of every missionary and white settler in these islands. The laborious and useful life of my esteemed colleague has been prematurely brought to a close by the savage act of a cannibal tribe of an inland district, about forty miles from this station.

On Saturday, July 13th, I received a line from Mr. Baker, to say that he was just then leaving home on a visit to some inland tribes. You have already been made aware, by Mr. Baker's own letters, of the pleasing fact, that many of these tribes have lately abandoned heathenism, and sent for Christian teachers to instruct them in the faith of Jesus Christ our Saviour. No heart was more delighted at this change than that of my departed friend. A few months ago we stationed a large number of teachers in the towns and villages of these benighted people.

These teachers, I need not say, require constant pastoral oversight and direction. Such a visit, therefore, as my late brother missionary started on the 13th ultimo to make, did not surprise me, as he had often been before on similar work.

On the evening of Saturday, July 13th, Mr. Baker remained in the district of Nailasiri, and was kindly accommodated at the house of Mr. Morton.

July 14th. After breakfast Mr. Baker rowed up the river to Natoaika, where he preached in Fijian. During the day he made another short stage, and stopped to hold another native service at Naso. Then he proceeded to Natausa, in the Viria district, and in the evening preached in English at Mr. Lee's residence to a small congregation of planters. After service he went to the town of Viria, where he slept.

15th. He was in his boat early in the morning, and on his way to the next tribe. Soon after leaving Viria he met one of our native teachers, Isaiah Naseikai, whom he took into his boat. In the afternoon he reached a town called Navunimoli, on the north branch of the Rewa river, known as the Wai-Luve--" Great Water." He slept here, and the next morning gave orders to the teachers in this neighbourhood to take his boat home, should they hear that he had decided to proceed westward.

16th. Mr. Baker and party struck across the country to Nacau, and stopped for the night at a place called Toberua, in the district of Navunidakua. In former visits, I believe, he had never been further inland than this. 17th. He passed into the Dawarau district, and reached Namara, the chief town, in the evening. The chief's name is Waqaliqali. Here Mr. Baker met three of the four native teachers lately appointed to this tribe, which a few months ago gave up heathenism, and sent for Christian instructors. The tribe is, however, only very partially Christian, and the change, as is always the case at first, is only nominal. This is the limit of our inland operations. All beyond, to the westward, is heathen, and comparatively unknown. Mr. Baker stayed here all Thursday, the 18th, and in the evening told the

chiefs that he should like to leave on Friday morning; but they begged him to remain on Friday, as they were anxious to give him and his people a "feast of yams and pork." To this he appears to have readily consented. He had preached to the people on Thursday, and now appointed Shadrach Seileka to preach to them again.

19th. The "feast of yams and pork" was given, as promised. During his stay at this town Mr. Baker made many inquiries about the next tribe, and expressed a strong desire to pro ceed, for the purpose of asking the people to abandon heathenism; and also, if possible, to get their permission to pass through their territory to the tribes beyond.

[At this point Mr. Baker wrote two pencil notes,—one to Mrs. Baker and the other to Mr. Carey.]

The letter to Mrs. Baker, in some respects, is a remarkable one. It gives us the motives that led him to penetrate so far inland, and that is a source of much consolation to his mourning widow and to us all. It is dated

"DAWARAU, July 19th.

"I AM here, and have been two days now. We have had very wet weather until to-day, which has hindered us. I find we are mid-way across the land, and am resolved to go all the way, now I am so far in. I had thought of this before I left you, but did not name it, because I knew you could not endure the thought of my going away for so long a time. But I have only decided this evening to go. And I do so Lecause, first, I want to do the people good; second, because I believe there is no great obstacle in my way; and, third, because if I do not go now I shall never go." [This last remark refers to his being about to visit the colonies for a short time, and then to return, probably, to some other field of labour.]

"When you get this I shall be at or near Vuda, and shall come back by way of Nadroga, and up the coast. In this way I shall not require a boat to go for me. You must cheer up, and pray for me. I am in my Master's work, and He will take care of me and mine. We are all in good spirits, and our feet are sound. We have preached twice