accomplish an unvarying succession of notions, to do a fixed amount of work, and then to fall to pieces at death, but as a being of free spiritual powers; and I place little value on any culture but that which aims to bring out these, and to give them perpetual impulse and expansion. I am aware that this view is far from being universal: the common notion has been that the mass of the people need no other culture than is necessary to fit them for various trades, and though this error is passing away, it is far from being exploded. But the ground of a man's culture lies in his nature, not in his calling. His powers are to be unfolded on account of their inherent dignity, not their outward direction. He is to be educated because he is a man- not because he is to make shoes, nails, or pins. A trade is plainly not the great end of his being, for his mind cannot be shut up in it-his force of thought cannot be exhausted on it, he has faculties to which it gives no action, and deep wants it cannot answer." Let those who maintain that intellectual culture is not every man's birthright, deeply ponder the arguments contained in this splendid passage, and unless they can successfully controvert the position, that a man is to be educated because he is a man, let them cease to be the advocates of popular ignorance. The field of knowledge is common property; every man has a right to enter, and reap its fruits. We remark, Secondly,-That MENTAL CULTURE is the DUTY of every human being. We use the word duty with the full consciousness of its deep and solemn import. It is not simply the right or privilege, but the duty incumbent on every man, to cultivate his mind, as far as he has the means and opportunity. It will be admitted that the intellectual part of man is that which is the most noble and valuable. "There are some things," says an eminent writer, "too intrinsically valuable to admit of an increase or diminution of value; such is the human soul: you may clothe its body in rags, and yet its native dignity is not decreased one iota; and you may adorn it with purple and fine linen may decorate it with gold and pearls-and you add nothing to its essential worth." "Knowest thou the importance of a soul immortal? Amazing pomp! Redouble this amaze; Ten thousand add, and twice ten thousand more; Then weigh the whole: one soul outweighs them all, Of unintelligent creation poor." 66 Such, then, being the nature and dignity of the soul, we ask, can it be a matter of indifference whether its powers and faculties shall be cultivated or not? It is the admitted duty of every man to provide for the wants of his physical nature-to employ all proper means for preserving the health and life of his body; and if it is our duty thus to care for the casket, certainly it cannot be less our duty to care for the precious jewel which it contains! If that which is confessedly the inferior part of our nature cannot be neglected with impunity, there can remain no question as to the claim of the superior part-the intellectual and moral man. Every man," says the author before quoted, "in whatever condition, is to be a student; no matter what other vocation he may have, his chief vocation is to think." It is not the duty of every man to confine himself exclusively to intellectual pursuits, but it is the duty of all to use those portions of time, and to embrace those means of mental improvement, which the station they occupy in society, and the providence of God, places at their disposal and puts within their reach. An additional argument in support of this proposition is derived from the fact, that none of us liveth for himself. We are members of society, and society has a right to expect something from us; and every man should be ambitious to leave the world better than he found it. (To be continued.) CLERICAL PRESUMPTION AND SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS. THE means to which some clergymen of the Establishment now resort to promote their ends is truly despicable. In a neighbourhood not twenty miles from the city of Chester, they are concentrating all their energies and exerting all their influence to put down dissent. They spend the greater part of two or three days a week to infuse their moral poison into the minds of the simple. They tell the people, that Mr. Wesley only built chapels because churches, in those days, were so few and far between, that the people could not travel to them, but now that churches are so plentiful, it is their duty to abandon the former and attend the latter. Another reason assigned why the people should abandon the chapels is, because there is so little of the Scriptures heard in them. This was used as an argument to induce a Wesleyan local preacher to leave the Wesleyan body, and become a teacher in their Sunday-school. Another of the same class of clergymen entered my neighbour's house, and in an authoritative tone, asked the mistress why she did not attend the Church? Why, Sir," said she, "I am so deaf that I could not hear you if I came." "Oh, it does not matter," said the parson, "whether you hear or not; if you are there it will be all right." It is worthy of remark that the sick and the dying, in this neighbourhood, seldom send for any of these clergymen; but it sometimes happens that they visit the sick. A short time ago, one of them visited a dying female, a neighbour of mine. He asked her how she did?"Why, Sir," said she, with considerable emphasis, “I am happy in the Lord; he has forgiven all my sins. I am going to heaven!" "Hush," said he; "be calm -I fear you are excited. You cannot know your sins forgiven on this side of the grave." "Oh, Sir," she replied, "I know and feel my sins forgiven, and I believe it is the privilege of all God's children." "I fear," said he, "you are labouring under a strong delusion." 66 About the same time, another female, who was in a dying state, was visited by one of these gentlemen. After he had given her a little spiritual counsel. and was about to retire, she said, "But, Sir, you must pray for me before you go." He appeared very much confused, and said-"Oh dear,"-at the same time feeling in his coat pockets-"I have not got my prayer-book with me, but I will bring it with me in my next visit, and then I will pray with you." In a few days he performed his promise. Just to show you, Sir, and your readers their educational views. A short time ago, on a Sunday evening, I happened to be in the house of a friend of mine, when in stepped the parish clergyman, accompanied by his lady. We directly entered into conversation, in which the lady took by far the most prominent part. She said "We have been visiting John Poor fellow! he is very ill, and seems to be much distressed because he cannot read. I find this is generally the case with the poor in this neighbourhood; they seem to regret much that they are unable to read, and consider it a misfortune; but I think it is not a misfortune at all; it is rather fortunate for them than otherwise. Poor things! they are saved from a deal of trouble, and they can enjoy their own pure thoughts, without being troubled with the thoughts of other men. When they can read, they soon begin to think and find fault, and they are seldom satisfied with that station in life in which Providence has placed them. Besides, you know, if they could read, they would have more light, and this would give additional responsibility; so I think they will never have to give an account of that which they have done (although wrong), for want of light. That which would be a flagrant crime to us, would be no sin to them; and I think their not being able to read will turn out rather an advantage than otherwise; so I think, poor things, they are better as they are." The clergyman, during the greater part of the time, listened to his good lady apparently with much pleasure, for a smile might now and then be seen playing upon his venerable countenance. I shall not comment upon these simple but awful facts. The mere relation of them sufficiently illustrates the character of the men who arrogantly assume to be the only true successors of the apostles, and who want to be our only spiritual guides and schoolmasters. Surely blind guides are they; and if we submit to be guided by them we shall eventually fall into the ditch of Popery and barbarism. As these men are leaving no stone unturned to upset the chariot of dissent in this neighbourhood, allow me, Sir, in conclusion, to ask for an answer to the following question, from some one of your correspondents-What would be the most successful way of attacking them, and of counteracting their influence ? March, 1847. VERITAS. ON PRAYER. BERNARD, in a fiction, doth excellently express the necessity, and enforce the duty, of prayer. He supposeth the kings of Babylon and Jerusalem (by whom he means the world and the church) to be at war one against the other. During this hostility, a soldier of Jerusalem was fled to the castle of Justice. Siege was laid to this castle, and a multitude of enemies environed and intrenched it round. There lies near this soldier a faint-hearted coward called Fear. This speaks nothing but discomfort; and when Hope would step in to give some courage, Fear thrusts her out of doors. While these two opposites, Fear and Hope, stand debating, the Christian soldier resolves to appeal to the direction of Sacred Wisdom, who was Chief-Counsellor to the captain of the castle Justice. Hear Wisdom speak:— "Dost thou know," saith she, "that the God whom we serve is able to deliver us? Is it not the Lord of Hosts? even the Lord mighty in battle? We will despatch a messenger to Him with information of our necessity." Fear replies:-" What messenger? Darkness is on the face of the world. Our walls are begirt with an armed troop, who are not only as strong as lions, but also as watchful as dragons. What messenger can either escape through such an host, or find the way into so remote a country?" Wisdom calls for Hope, and chargeth her with all speed to despatch away her old messenger. Hope calls to Prayer, and says "Lo, here a messenger, speedy, ready, trusty, knowing the way. Ready; you can no sooner call her than she comes. Speedy; she flies faster than eagles, as fast as angels. Trusty; what embassage soever you put in her tongue, she delivers with faithful secrecy. She knows the way to the throne of mercy; and never faints till she come to the chamber of the royal presence." Prayer hath her message. Away she flies, borne on the sure and swift wings of Faith and Zeal, Wisdom having given her a charge, and Hope a blessing. Finding the gate shut, she knocks and cries, Open, ye gates of righteousness, and be ye open, ye everlasting doors of glory! that I may enter and deliver to the King of Jerusalem my petition. Jesus Christ hears her knock, opens the gate of mercy, attends her suit, promiseth her infallible comfort and redress. Back returns Prayer, laden with the news of consolation. She hath a promise, and she delivereth it into the hands of Faith— that, were our enemies more innumerable than the locusts in Egypt, and more strong than the giants the sons of Anak, yet Power and Mercy shall fight for us, and we shall be delivered. Pass we, then, through fire and water-through all dangers and difficulties - yet we have a messenger, holy, happy, accessibly acceptable to God, that never comes back without comfort. Puritan Divines. A WORD FOR OUR MISSION FUND. TO THE EDITOR,-DEAR SIR,-We have now past four months in the new year; at its commencement most of us promised, or ought to have promised, to exert ourselves more than ever in the vineyard of the Lord; to make more sacrifices, to ask for more holiness, to lay out ourselves far more than ever, for usefulness. All this is well, exceedingly well, but have we done so, are we doing so, do we intend to do so, and when? Not, surely, when half the year is past. No, our movements should have commenced with the first week, should have been ever since kept in active operation. Let us arouse ourselves to diligence, and during this eventful year—which every thinking man sees will be particularly so-let us perform some important service to the church and the world. We may render very important service by doubling our Missionary fund, and this may be effected by the most simple means; to which no man or woman can conscientiously say, no; at least, we think not. We have twenty thousand members-what are they doing for missions? Do they not know enough about their usefulness and value to the church? We cannot for a moment think they are in ignorance of the subject. Then to work at once! Twenty thousand members at a penny a-week each would produce the round sum of 4,333l. 6s. 8d.; nearly double our present Missionary fund. Who will now be idle, men, women, or children! The latter will not, if rightly directed, I am sure; the former ought not. But system is wanted; organize the children, they can most surely bring a penny, either from their parents or friends. Organize yourselves-set apart a penny weekly for a good cause, for your Redeemer's cause, for the cause of mankind and you will have your reward. You will perhaps say, "But provisions are high, food is scarce; we should be receivers, instead of givers. We have class-money, ticket-money, and poor-money-this fund, that fund, and the other fund, to subscribe to, and all in these pressing times." We grant it--but a penny, who can refuse? Do you want better times? Do you want more means? Lay out cheerfully a trifle for God, and he will return it ten-fold, yea, a hundred-fold. Now, for the Lord's sake, for the church's sake, for the sake of the world lying in the arms of the wicked one, let us do what we can; and we shall find, with God's blessing, that our Missionary fund this year will bear fruit unto God, and blessings to the world. SINCERITY. PROSPERITY TO BE OBTAINED BY PRAYER. THE necessity of Divine influence for the conversion of sinners, has been, of late, not unfrequently made the subject of resolutions and speeches on the platform at public meetings. Much has been said, and eloquently said, to recommend the theme to the devout attention of the Christian church, but there the matter has ended. The breath of eloquence has not fanned the languid flame of piety, and, indeed, as it is usually employed, it has but little adaptation to accomplish this end. It is not eloquence we want, but faith and the supplicating heart. Eloquence may move man, but prayer moves the arm of God; eloquence may procure money, but prayer will bring down the grace that money cannot purchase, and without which the greatest hoards of wealth are useless; eloquence may fill the place with the inspirations of human genius, but prayer will fill the church with the presence and the power of the great Jehovah. The believing fervent breathings of our soul, uttering its longings after revival, in the retirement of the closet, does more for the attainment of this object, than a thousand orations delivered in public, amidst the plaudits of admiring auditors. O Christians, let your closet testify, let your conscience testify, how much time you set apart to importune the God of all grace, to pour out his Spirit upon the church and the world! The blessing is ready, but waits to be fetched from heaven by your believing prayers. When the minds of believers shall be intent upon the object, and, giving utterance to their desires in vehement entreaty, they shall exclaim, 'Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly," his voice shall soon be heard in gracious response, saying, "Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me." 66 J. A. JAMES. GOVERNMENT SCHEME ON EDUCATION. SORRY we are to have to state, it now appears certain, that members of the House of Commons have given, after a lengthened discussion, their sanction to the pernicious "Minutes of the Committee of Council on Education." The united Committees of privileges and education of the Wesleyan Conference Connexion, have greatly aided this evil measure, by refusing to offer it any opposition. It is reported that the Committees would have called upon the Conference Societies to oppose the measure, had it not been ascertained, that the authorized version of the Scriptures is, as the "Minutes now stand, to be used in all schools aided by government grants. This, it is said, will exclude the Roman Catholics! This unjust reason, and the promise of having a veto on the appointment of the Government Inspector of their own schools, so far satisfied the Committees, as to induce them to express a willingness, on the part of the Conference Connexion, to accept the measure. We have no doubt that in a short time the Government will make provision for aiding Roman Catholic schools; this, indeed, has been avowed as its intention; and in our judgment, such aid, if granted to others, cannot be justly refused to them. It is most decidedly unjustifiable for any religious community, to accept of the public money, and to wish to exclude any other religious community from enjoying a like benefit-if benefit it can be called. - We very much regret that the Conference Connexion has not given its aid in opposing the further endowment, by public grants, of religious teaching; and has evinced a willingness to place its own schools under Government pay and inspection. A considerable portion of the members of that Connexion, are very much displeased at the conduct of the Committees, and are meditating some public method of manifesting their displeasure, and of avowing their disapprobation of the State endowment of religious teaching. Conscientious dissenters must prepare themselves for an unflinching maintenance of their principles, or they will fearfully suffer from the encroachments of their opponents. The best interests of our country and of religion are at stake. May God in his mercy avert the evils by which we are threatened! FALL OF AN AEROLITE. THE inhabitants of Mindethal, in Bavaria, were scared from their Christmas festivities and yule-logs on the twenty-fifth of December last, by the unexpected arrival of an aerial visitant. We subjoin a textual recital of this meteorological phenomenon from the Augsburg Gazette. On Christmas-day, at two o'clock in the afternoon, a noise was heard in the environs of Mindethal, in a circumference of at least eighteen leagues diameter, resembling, in the first instance, a distant cannonade. After twenty almost uniform discharges, this noise changed to a rumbling, the sounds of which strikingly resembled those of a kettle-drum, tuned in F, and ended with sounds like those of distant trumpets. The whole phenomenon lasted about three minutes, and was heard in the same manner throughout the entire district. Every auditor imagined that he heard the noise over his head, but nothing was seen explanatory of the phenomenon. In the village of Schonenburg, however, westward of Mindethal, several persons remarked, |