stands in need of correction ? Her enemies, widely as they differ from each other, are joined in a firm league, and aim at nothing short of her total extinction; and it is a lamentable fact, that the sturdy advocates of the unrestricted right of private judgment in matters of religion, have joined heart and hand with those who deny that the Scriptures contain the only rule of faith :and for what? To subvert the Established Church, which has ever been the steady supporter of civil and religious liberty.

This is one of the most remarkable signs of the gloomy period in which our lot is cast; and should operate as a powerful incentive to the devoted servants of Christ within the pale of the Establishment, to leave the stage of political intrigue, and political excitement quite clear, without attempting to dispute a single inch of it. Let us neither dread man's enmity, nor rely upon man's help, for it is vain ; but let us "eschew evil and do good; let us seek peace and ensue it."

3dly. If it should be asked what are the prospects of the Church in Ireland? I unhesitat

ingly reply, they are not such as should excite despondency. Never in her history, could she boast of so many truly devoted Preachers of Righteousness as at the present moment. Never were flocks, generally speaking, so well instructed in Scripture truth. Never were there so many Societies aided or upheld by her, for extending and perpetuating the knowledge of the way of salvation. Never were there so many young men of talent, of education, of sound Biblical knowledge, and of sterling piety, presenting themselves for ordination, as at the present moment. Never was there a more determined stand made against Romanism and infidelity; and never was the Protestant population so well acquainted with the subtleties of the two systems, or so capable of exposing them as now. The Clergy have with exemplary patience taken "the spoiling of their goods." No murmur, no clamour, proceeded from them they committed their cause to God, and they are content to abide by his will. But as soon as an attempt was made to dictate the

terms upon which the Bible was to be used in the instruction of youth, they were fired with a holy indignation, and with very few exceptions indeed, spurned them, at the very time, when above all others, self-interest prompted them to be silent. They were zealous for the honour of the Lord of Hosts, and they proved it by their determination never to surrender an iota of the Sacred Scriptures, all of which is "given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine and reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness." The simultaneous resistance which was made to the imposition of this system throughout Ireland, and which continues in its full vigour is almost unexampled in the history of the Church; and presents a convincing refutation to the charge which has often been made with as much falsity as unkindness, that she feels but little concern in promoting the eternal interests of men. God's Word has been most extensively circulated in the Irish as well as in the English language; and it is read by many,

who but a short time ago were ignorant of its The long continued political

very existence.

agitation has been productive of a spirit of inquiry among the members of the Church of Rome, and their Clergy will never be able to stop it. The transition from the consideration of political to religious subjects, is not attended with any very great difficulty, when once a man is convinced that it is his privilege to think for himself. To the eye of the politician, Ireland at this moment presents a most gloomy aspect, and the minds of rulers and legislators are on the stretch to devise means for establishing and securing her tranquillity. The best intentions are defeated-the most sanguine hopes are blasted-laws have lost their restraining poweroaths no longer possess a binding quality—justice is insulted and defeated as effectually and openly before the Judges of Assize, as at a Petty Sessions-and the spirit of insubordination is so strong and daring, that it requires an immense military and police force to prevent it from desolating the land. Is there no remedy

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for the cure of this moral cholera? There is, and an effectual one. The Gospel of peace.

Its mighty effects are visible at this moment in the civilization of Negroes, Hottentots, Esquimaux, and New Zealanders. Why should it not have a free course among the people of Ireland? Why should not this grand specific be tried? Is there an apprehension to be indulged that God's word shall return to him void, and that it shall not accomplish the thing whereto he sends it? In this age of light and knowledge, and liberty, is ignorance to be allowed to exercise an undisputed sway over the human mind? Is dark superstition to brood undisturbed over all the feelings and fears, and hopes of an intelligent population? Will God honour them who honour not him? Will He who "exalts his word above all his name," encourage by his favour, and uphold by his power any political or religious system, whose frame and whose operations are at variance with that word? Much good has been effected by the Scripture readers, who have