want of order. The unity and despotism of Rome is broken. Tyrants and competitors spring up in every quarter of the empire. There was no settled authority-no government-no security. In the midst of this relaxation of every rule of life, christianity grew surely and unobserved, and from the very helplessness of the civil state was forced into the establishment of a regular organization for the defence of its adherents. The fourth century is mainly dis tinguished by the changes consequent on the removal of the seat of goverment from old Rome to new, from the banks of the Tiber to the shores of the Bosphorus; the establishment of christianity by Constantine; the reaction under Julian, the apostate, and the settlement within the empire of the Goths.

CONSTANTINE AND HIS POLICY.

"It is difficult," says Mr. White, "to gather a true idea of this first of the christian emperors from the historians of after times. The accounts of him by contemporary writers are equally conflicting. The favourers of the old superstition describe him as a monster of perfidy and cruelty. The church,-raised to supremacy by his favour, sees nothing in him but the greatest of men-the seer of visions, the visible favourite of the Almighty, and the predestined overthrower of the powers of evil. The easy credulity of an emancipated people believed whatever the flattery of the courtiers invented. His mother Helena made a journey to Jerusalem, and was rewarded for the pious pilgrimage by the discovery of the true cross. Chapels and altars were raised upon all the places famous in christian story; relics were collected from all quarters, and we are early led to fear that the simplicity of the gospel is endangered by its approach to the throne, and that Constantine's object was rather to raise and strengthen a hierarchy of ecclesiastical supporters, than to give full scope to the doctrine of truth. Constantine pertected his work by establishing a titled nobility, who were to stand between the throne and the people, giving dignity to the one, and impressing fresh awe upon the other. In all previous ages it had been the office that gave importance to the man but now there was

...

no way left to the ambitious Roman to distinguish himself except by the favour of the emperor. The throne became, as it has since continued in all strictly monarchial countries, the fountain of honour. It was not the people who could name a man to the consulship, or appoint him to the command of an army. It was not even in the power of the emperor to find offices of dignity for all whom he wished to advance. So a method was discovered by which vanity or friendship could be gratified, and employment be reserved for the deserving at the same time. Instead of endangering an expedition against the Parthians by entrusting it to a rich and powerful courtier who desired to have the rank of a general, the emperor simply named him Nobilissimus, or Patricius, or Illustris, and the gratified favourite, "the most noble," "the patrician," or the "illustrious," took place with the highest officer of the state. A certain title gave him equal rank with senator, the judge, or the consul. The diversity of these honorary distinctions became very great. There were the Clarissieni, the Perfectissimi, and the Egregu-bearing the same relative dignity in the court guide of the fourth century, as the dukes, marquises, earls, and viscounts of the peerage books of the present day. It was proposed by this division of the Roman aristocracy to furnish the empire with a body for show and a body for use; the latter consisting of the real generals of the army and the administrators of the provinces. And with this view the two were kept distinct; but military discipline suffered by this partition. The generals became discontented when they saw wealth and dignities heaped upon the titular nobles ot the court; and to prevent the danger arising from ill-will among the legions on the frontier, the emperor withdrew the best of his soldiers from the posts where they kept the barbarians in check; and entirely destroyed their military spirit by separating them into small bodies and stationing them in towns.. The ordinary revenue of the empire was forty millions of our money a-year. Not a very large amount when you consider the number of the population; but this is the sum which reached the treasury. The gross amount must have been far larger, and an ingenious machinery was invented by which the tax was rigorously collected and this machinery by a ludicrous perversion of terms, was made to include one of the most numerous classes of the artificial nobility created by the imperial will. In all the towns of the empire some little remains were still to be found of the ancient municipal government, of which practically they had long been deprived. There were nominal magistrates still; and among these the Curials held a distinguished rank. They were the men who, in the days of freedom, had filled the civic dignities of their native city-the aldermen, we should perhaps call them, or more nearly, the justices of the peace. They were now ranked with the peerage, but with certain duties attached to their elevation which few can have regarded in the light

of privilege or favour. To qualify them for rank, they were bound to be in possession of a certain amount of land. They were, therefore, a territorial aristocracy, and never was any territorial aristocracy more constantly under the consideration of the government. It was the duty of the Curials to distribute the tax-papers in their district; but in addition to this, it was unfortunately their duty to see that the sum assessed on the town and neigbourhood was paid up to the last penny. When there was any deficiency was the emperor to suffer? Were the Noblissimi, the Patricu, the Egiegu, to lose their salaries ? Oho! as long as the now ennobled curial retained an acre of his estate, or could raise a mortgage on his house, the full amount was extracted. The tax went up to Rome, and the curial, if there had been a poor-house in those days would have gone into it, for he was stript of all. His farm was seized, his cattle were escheated; and when the defalcation was very great, himself, his wife and children, were led into the market and sold as slaves. Nothing so rapidly destroyed what might have been the germ of a middle class, as this legalized spoliation of the smaller landholders Below this rank there was absolutely nothing lett of the citizenship of ancient times. Artificers and workmen formed thenselves into companies; but the trades were exercised principally by slaves for the Lenefit of their owners The slave formed now by far the greatest part of the Roman population, and though their lot had gradually become softened as their numbers increased, and the domestic ondsmen had little to complain of except the greatest of all sorrows, the loss of freedom, the position of the rural labourers was still very bad There were some of them slav s in every sense of the word-mere chattels, which were not so valuable as horse or dog. But the fate of others was so far mitigated that they could not be sold separate from their family, or except with the land."

The fifth was the transition century. The vast fabric of Roman power fell to pieces. Internal corruption made the empire an easy prey to the Vandals. Then first sprang into existence modern states, and then the church, grown more priestly and powerful, began with unheard-of arrogance to lord it over God's heritage. The sixth century is divided off from the rest by the settlement of the Lombards, the influence of Justinian, and the birth of the prophet Mahomet. In the seventh century Rome once more became mistress of the world, but a mistress by reason of her priestly power; and yet at that very time the crescent of Mahomet was seriously menacing her Eastern possessions. The eighth, minth, and tenth centuries are respectively to be recognized: the first by the growth of the empire of Charlemagne; the second by its dismemberment, and the further increase of papal power; and the third by the darkness and despair that brooded over castle and cot, noble ard peasant, king and people. This century was the beginning of that period so truly called "the dark ages." The eleventh century was the church-building age, the cra in which flourished the proud priest Hildebrand, and when Peter the Hermit first roused Europe to march off to Palestine on an insane crusade. The elevation of learning, the combination of rank with rank caused by the mutual danger of lord and serf in the crusade, the rise of freedom by the commercial activity imparted by the same cause to the towns, and the influence of chivalry and christianity combined upon the condition of women-are the main features of the twelfth century. The butchery of the Albigenses, the Magna Charta of England, the rise of the Commons, and the termination of the crusades, are traits sufficiently striking to distinguish the next. An age that produced five such men as Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio, Chaucer, and Froissart; an age when Wicliffe first translated the Bible into English; when Courtrai, Bannockburn, and Crecy were made famous for ever-is one that must stand out broadly defined and clear, and that was the fourteenth century from the birth of Christ. The death of feudalism, the battle of Agincourt, the seige of Calais, the fate of Joan of Arc, the invention of printing, and the discovery of America, will suggest the main lineaments of the following age. The features of the three last centuries are too well known to need repetition here. The reformation of the first, and the rebellion in the second, are "familiar in our mouths as household words." Luther and Cromwell are the two great figures who pass majestically before us, and of them there is now no need to speak. The past century is still fresh in the minds of some living, and its influences we see everywhere around us.

We have thus very roughly indicated the course pursued by Mr. White. His

book is not a mere table of events; chronology, and nothing else. The main facts of every century are presented with some pictorial skill, and occasionally with great effect. The principal figures in each are not lifeless automata, but breathing men. Cæsar, king, priest, scholar, pleb, or burgher, it matters not; all have a manly accent and a human gait. The first six chapters, we are compelled to say, notwithstanding all this, are written with the most care, and the last three with the least. There is a power and brilliance in the opening chapters that we look for in vain in the latter half of the book. It would appear, from this sad falling off, that the inspiration had evaporated in the act of composition. The latter portion would bear a thorough and impartial revision.

Obituary.

MRS BETTY CRAVEN was the second of two daughters, who with one son, now the Rev. J. Holroyd, of Barton, formed the sole offspring of William and Hannah Holroyd. She was born at Allerton, near Bradford, Yorkshire, March 16th, 1830. She was bereft of a very pious mother at the tender age of five, but was taken care of first by her christian grandfather, a deacon and trustee at Thornton Independent chapel, and then by her pious uncle and aunt. At Thornton she was sent to the Sabbath school, where for years she eagerly drank in the pious instructions of her teacher.

After a foundation of a religious education had been thus laid, she returned ́home to her father, sister, and brother,—then residing at Wilsden. The intreaties of her sister, and the prospect of better employment, were the principal inducements that led to her return home. Iler stay at Wilsden, however, was but short. A general depression of trade induced the family to remove to Allerton, in hopes of finding more settled and suitable employment. Here she soon sought and found the Independent Sabbath school, at which place she became concerned about her soul, and commenced to attend the inquirers' meetings.

Another reverse in trade induced her to remove alone to Bradford. Many fears were Low entertained as to the permanency of her religious impressions. Fortunately, she soon made the acquaintance of some pious person attending Tetley Street chapel, where she found a spiritual home; and under the faithful and earnest ministry of the late Mr. Rose was very much benefitted. She now commenced anew to seek with all her heart the salvation of her soul. Nor did she seck in vain. By believing in the finished work of Jesus she obtained pardon, and was soon after baptized, and united with the church August 12th, 1849. In December, 18 1, she became the wife of one of our deacons, brother Elijah Craven. By him she had three children, all of whom have died in their infancy. Last of all the mother died also.

In reviewing the life of our departed sister, we find that as a scholar she was punctual and regular at school, and exceedingly attentive to what she heard; so much so, that she made considerable proficiency in divine knowledge. This she was able to do in consequence of her unusually retentive memory, as was seen in her being able, even up to the time of her death, to repeat many beautiful hymns and passages of scripture, which she learned in the Sabbath school when very young. Her attachment to the school was very great. Hence, in connexion with all her removals, her first object almost was to seek out a Sabbath school. This she did at Wilsden, Allerton, and Bradford. And how reciprocal were the unions formed by her at those several places. While at Wilsden, the pious atter tion and affectionate manner of her devoted teachers made a deep impression upan her mind. Especially was this the case with one teacher, named Miss Anderson; towards her the deceased felt a strong attachment unto the time of her death. Nor was this affection all on one side. Miss A. was much attached to her, as she showed by grieving at her removal, and also by

often calling to see her after her marriage and settlement in Bradford. She was also affectionately esteemed by her class-mates, with some of whom she kept up an intimate acquaintance until death removed them to another sphere.

As a member of the church and teacher in the Sabbath school, she was all we could wish. Her punctual, regular, and prayerful deportment in the Sabbath school was apparent to all; and in her teaching she ever sought to preach Christ and Him crucified to her youthful charge. And how careful she was to adorn the doctrines of Christ in all things. Hence, she "studied to be quiet and mind her own business:" tale-telling, backbiting, and evil-speaking her soul hated. She rejoiced in the exclamation of David, "Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."-Psalm cxxxiii. 1. She was a lover of peace; and hence the language of her heart with reference to the church was, "Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, peace be within thee."Psalm cxxii. 7, 8. She delighted in the ordinances of God's house, and rejoiced in the prosperity of Zion. She was much attached to the ordinance of the Lord' supper, and the experience meetings, from which she never absented herself without a sufficient cause. Her disposition was honest, kind, and confiding; her conversation grave, instructive, and seasoned with grace; and her d' portment watchful, humble, and devout: hence, concerning her it might be said, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile."--John i. 47.

As a wife, mother, and neighbour, she illustrated in her conduct the following scriptures::--"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her husband also, and he praiseth her."—Prov. xxxi. 27, 28. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."-Prov. xxii. 6. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven." -Matt. v. 16.

As a suffering and dying christian, she was patient, resigned, peaceful, and confident. For some time she has suffered much, but patience had its perfect work. When on one occasion she found herself unconsciously about to complain, she checked the feeling, and in effect exclaimed, "How shall I do this great wickedness and sin against God."- Gen. xxxix. 9. She was also quite resigned. She affirmed that the Lord had a right to do with her as he thought best. Upon seeing her husband. weep, she said, "My dear, why do you weep: if the Lord takes me away, it will be all for the best; if he restores me, it will be all for the best. 'He is too wise to err, and too good to be unkind.' He has taken our little ones from the evil to come: they are better off han being here. In case of my death, you would have done what you could for them, but you could not always have been with them; and they would have had no mother to comfort them, soothe their sorrows, and wipe away their tears, for no one can feel for them like a mother." And then how peaceful she was, "Being justified by faith she had peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." -Rom. v. i. Hence, with the greatest calmness he exclaimed, “I am ready either for living or dying." She was also confident in the midst of all her suffering; but her confidence was in Christ. Early on the morning on which she died she said her time here was short, and then called out from the top of her voice, "O come, Lord Jesus, come quickly and receive my spirit." She continued to suffer very much during the day, and when asked by a member of the church who called to see her, if Christ was precious, she answered, yes. A short time before she died, she assured her husband that she was trusting to Jesus, and that she believed he would save her. Her end was now at hand. About a quarter-past nine in the evening of January 18th, 1858, she calmly fell asleep in Jesus, realizing no doubt in her experience the following lines:

"The world recedes, it disappears,
Heaven opens on my eyes, my ears
With sounds seraphic ring.

Lend, lend your wings! I mount! I fly!

O grave! where is thy victory?

O death! where is thy sting?"

Her death was improved to a large assembly on Lord's day evening, January 31st, from Hebrews vi. 12,-"That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

The writer cannot conclude without expressing his gratitude to Almighty God for the personal benefit he has derived from the prayers, intelligent conversation, and holy walk of the departed. Verily she had power with God and prevailed. She held communion with heaven, and walked in the light of the Lord. It was encouraging to hear how she could expatiate upon the work of Christ, the joys of salvation, and the bliss of immortality. This she did with great clearness and fluency. Often has the writer felt like a child at the feet of some Gamaliel while listening to her devout and intelligent conversation; and often has he returned from visiting her exclaiming, "O blessed christianity! that can thus support the mind and fill it with boundless joy and comfort when the body is so near returning to the earth as it was, and the spirit to God who gave it." B. W. B.

MRS. JARROM. EMMA, the beloved wife of Mr. Thomas Jarrom, of Diseworth Fields, Leicestershire, was the daugnter of the late James and Elizabeth Cum berland, of Newtown Linford, in the same county. She was born on the 23rd of November, 1825, and died on the 11th of June, 1857.

The family attended divine worship at the General Baptist chapel, Woodhouse Eaves. The means of grace were sanctified to the enlightenment of her mind. She experienced the transforming influence of divine grace, and gave evidence of the great change in a corresponding life and conversation. Though situated at a considerable distance from the house of God, and had to wend her way from the very top of the Charnwood Forest hills, yet we generally found her in her place in the christian sanctuary.

Having given herself to the Lord, she gave herself to his people, according to his word. She fully satisfied the church that she was a proper subject for christian fellowship, and was baptized November 1st. 1846. She was an intel. ligent and consistent member of the church at Woodhouse, &c., until she was married and removed from Blakes Hay to Diseworth Fields. She now worshipped with the church at Kegworth and Diseworth, and was dismissed to their fellowship, and continued in union with them until she was called to her final reward, The writer of this notice had not the opportunity of seeing her in her last illness; he visited her in a former affliction, and found the mind calm, resigned, and hopeful. At that time it was obvious that her days were numbered. A pious relative of the departed had every opportunity to ascertain her state and feelings, as the world was receding and eternity opening before her. She says, "It was truly delightful to see her happy and comfortable state of mind; she was quite prepared for the change."

We buried her by the side of her father and mother, in the burial ground at Woodhouse Eaves, where she awaits the resurrection of the just,

"In hopes of glory to be quite involved!
To sniile at death! to long to be dissolv'd!
From our decays a pleasure to receive!
And kindle into transport at a grave!
What equals this ?"

J. S. L.

CATHERINE BRISE, of Broughton, was brought to a knowledge of the truth, and baptized in November. 1851, with a number of others. She remained a consistent member of the General Baptist church at this place till death. She was one that delighted in prayer. She loved the Bible. It was her constant companion during her affliction. She loved the habitation of the Lord's house. She loved the cause of Christ, and contributed liberally towards its support. After being laid aside for eight months, in 1856-7, she rallied, and she was again seen at the house of God. At the close of last summer affliction again