her Missionary and Tract Societies, and her other religious institutions, her Sunday and Ragged schools, the labours of her devoted Christian ministers, and of her Scripture readers; all these, with other influences which might be enumerated, have been jointly effectual, under the Divine blessing, to diffuse throughout the length and breadth of the land much of that real piety, which is "the salt of the earth,” and the best safeguard of every country in which it exists. Perilous indeed would have been the condition of this country, if the masses of her population had been left in ignorance and irreligion, a prey to the designing agitators of the present times.

In her national character, England, on a recent occasion, acknowledged in a very signal manner, her dependence upon the supreme Governor of the world. When, during the past year, a part of this empire was afflicted, and other portions of it were threatened by famine, a day was set apart for national humiliation before God. Surely, it has been well suggested, that in these days of peril, a similar national demonstration of humble allegiance to the Almighty, would well become this Christian country. Ireland is not, indeed, at present, suffering from famine; but she is urged to rebellion. High treason is openly proclaimed in her metropolis; her people are bid to arm themselves, and arms are furnished for their use. Popery is, and has been the bane of Ireland, as it is the bane of France; though in the latter country, practical infidelity, and even atheism-evils which frequently follow in the wake of Romanism-have taken deeper root, and have brought forth more bitter fruits than have as yet appeared in our sister island. Under such circumstances, it surely behoves those who love and honour their Queen, and value that venerable constitution under which they and their ancestors have experienced blessings unparalleled in the history of any other nation under heaven, to adopt every measure for their security; and among such measures, a public act of national humiliation before Him on whom depends the welfare, and the very existence of our nation, ought surely to be reckoned. Such a public recognition of the only Source from which she looks for safety and protection, would tend alike to the good of this hitherto signally favoured country, and to the glory of Him whose word reveals to us that such services, performed in national emergencies, from right motives, and in a right spirit, are well-pleasing in his sight.

It should be mentioned as matter of thankfulness, that the existence even in Ireland, urged as she is to seditious and treasonable proceed

ings, of much loyalty and constitutional feeling, is evinced by the addresses which have recently been received by the Lord-Lieutenant from all parts of the country.

It is the never-failing consolation of the true Christian, that "the Lord sitteth above the water-floods, be the earth never so unquiet.” Those however who truly desire to perpetuate the honour and safety of England, should use their utmost exertions in support of those Christian and Protestant principles which she has hitherto publicly professed, and which are her best glory and defence.

REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

THE LIFE OF MOHAMMED. London: Religious Tract Society. THIS work forms a volume of the valuable Monthly Series which is published by the Religious Tract Society, and which we have, on various occasions, reccommended to the notice of our readers.

At this day Mohammed is revered as the Prophet of God, by above one hundred and fifty millions of the human family. This fact alone may well awaken curiosity respecting his personal history, character, and doctrines. We cannot but desire to know something of the rise and progress of a religion which, for more than twelve centuries has flourished among the most populous and civilized nations of Asia and Africa, and in regions in which Christianity had been planted by the apostles; and on these subjects, this very able little work contains a mass of well-arranged and highly interesting information. The natural character of the country in which the Arabian Prophet lived, and the condition both of the Eastern and Western nations of the world at that period, are here set before the reader. The author, as he himself states, has neither been anxious to unveil an impostor, nor to paint a hero. Having brought to bear upon the Life and character of Mohammed, and upon the genius and history of his institutions, a large amount of industrious research, he has simply given to his readers the results of that research, with ability, vigour, and impartiality.

This work exhibits comprehensive and philosophical views of history; is rich in valuable reflections; and is pervaded by a tone of Scriptural piety. It is, moreover-if the expression may be allowed-so picturesque, and is written with so vigorous a pen, that it can scarcely fail to interest even the most languid reader.

We have said enough to recommend this Life of Mohammed to the favourable attention of our readers. We will only add further, a brief extract from its concluding chapter:

"One lesson out of many, we may learn from the brief history that has now been sketched. MOHAMMED WAS IN EARNEST. The Saracens were earnest men. If earnestness produces such great effects in spreading delusion and misery through the world, it is worthy of reflection, whether the lovers of truth and the friends of human happiness, are sufficiently embued with this spirit. . . . . We have a Book whose truth is sealed by miracles, and by the blood of martyrs; a Saviour, who pities, loves, redeems; a hope which is built upon a rock; a calling which is clear, honourable, and happy; and we are moved by the deepest thoughts, and the holiest feelings, to live IN EARNEST for our Saviour's honour and for the welfare of the world. Happy he, however small his talent, or confined his sphere, who lives this earnest life. . . . . As the Life of Mohammed imbued with his principles and his spirit, the fiery-hearted soldiers of the East; so, but in a higher sense, 'the Life of Jesus is to be made manifest in our mortal flesh.' To feel the quickening impulse of that life, as the Spirit of Christ dwells in us, is the high privilege of Christians. To show, by our own living, the manner of Christ's living in this world, is our business. To lead the dying multitudes around us to know and love Him who is the Light of the world,' and the Life of men,' is the sacred object of our ambition. And when He cometh to raise the dead, and to take the living with him to the mansions of his Father's house, his glory will be the glory of all his faithful followers; who shall rejoice for ever, that the Prophet in whom they believed was true, that the Leader whom they followed is triumphant. Reader! believe-follow-and partake the triumph !"

THE BIBLE CLASS MAGAZINE. A Religious Miscellany, for Senior Scholars, Junior Teachers, and Rising Youth. Nos. I., II., III., IV. London Sunday School Union, Paternoster Row.

THIS recently established Monthly Magazine belongs to the class of cheap religious periodicals, the multiplication of which, as indicating a value and desire for such publications on the part of the younger members of the great mass of society, cannot but be regarded as matter of rejoicing.

The four numbers of the Bible Class Magazine, hitherto published, exhibit a considerable amount of the peculiar and rare talent which those must possess who would address themselves usefully and acceptably

to young readers; and set forth, fully and distinctly, the great doctrines of Christianity. One department in each number is headed" MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS ;" and this portion contains articles of considerable ability on Natural Theology, Astronomy, &c., &c., all of which, as it is superfluous to say, are written in a thoroughly "Christian tone."

That this little Magazine meets with an encouraging share of public favour may be inferred from the circumstance, that the January number has passed through a Second Edition.

LETTERS TO A MOTHER, on the Management of Herself and her Children in Health and Disease. With remarks on Chloroform. By J. T. CONQUEST, M.D., F.L.S. London: Longman and Co,. Paternoster Row, 1848.

MEDICAL treatises intended for domestic use, are, unquestionably, for the most part, highly dangerous. It is admitted on all hands, that years of study are requisite for the obtaining of a competent knowledge of the healing art; and it were therefore unreasonable indeed, to suppose that such knowledge can be acquired by the perusal of a popular treatise on Domestic Medicine.

Aware of these truths, the author of these LETTERS TO A MOTHER states, that he has on principle, done little more than refer to what may be deemed preventive, rather than curative remedial measures." With excellent judgment, he has compressed a large mass of most useful information into a small compass; and has endeavoured to lead and teach mothers and nurses to think reasonably and act judiciously for themselves, by giving them, not numerous and minute directions, but "general, and governing priuciples."

The good sense of this design must be, at once, apparent. It should be added, however, that for the rearing and management of infants under ordinary circumstances, as well as for the right treatment of "such matters as demand attention before professional assistance can be called in," as "poisons, burns, scalds," &c. &c., this work will be found to contain full and explicit directions.

By mothers, and more especially, perhaps, by those who expect soon to become mothers, these LETTERS will be found to be rich in the information which their circumstances peculiarly require. To such persons the work is calculated to prove highly useful and valuable.

One word must be added on the subject of CHLOROFORM. Dr. Conquest strenuously advises the use of this powerful agent, not only in

the more painful surgical operations, but also in cases of accouchement. On this point we presume not to offer any opinion. It cannot, however, be improper to suggest, that, in proportion to the potency of the effects which are known to follow the use of this recently discovered and wonder-working agent, should be the judgment and caution with which it is applied.

FIRESIDE TALES POR THE YOUNG. By Mrs. Ellis, Author of "The Women of England," &c. &c. London: Peter Jackson, (late Fisher, Son, & Co.,) Angel Street.

WE have here the First Part of a new serial, the publication of which is to be continued monthly, and each part of which is to be embellished by no less than four steel engravings.

This First Part contains Mary Lesley ; or, the First Falsehood ;" "The Ambitious Boy;" "The Chateau of Pau;" and some graceful stanzas entitled "Young Thoughts." Of the first tale, MARY LESLEY; OR, THE FIRST FALSEHOOD, the main object, as its title sufficiently implies, is to impress upon the youthful mind, the danger of the slightest departure from the path of truth and rectitude. The story is exceedingly well contrived, and is written with Mrs. Ellis's usual tact and ability. In addition to the principal moral which it is designed to convey, it is well calculated to impress upon the minds of young persons the duty of charity in their estimate of the characters of those who may fall under the power of temptations, by which they themselves are not assailed.

"THE CHATEAU OF PAU," which is written partly in verse and partly in prose, contains a brief, but very spirited and interesting biographical sketch of the childhood of Henry IV. of France. This sketch is illustrated by a steel engraving of the chateau in which the great Henry first saw the light, and of the surrounding scenery.

"THE AMBITIOUS BOY," is a sprightly tale, fraught with useful hints to those young persons who in their desire to "achieve greatness,” are apt to neglect or despise those "trifles," which "make up the sum of human things."

Such is Part I. of this new and clever publication. In the tales, &c. which it contains, amusement is adroitly blended with instruction, while dangerous and novel-like excitement is avoided. The work will, we doubt not, become a favourite with the class of readers for whom it is especially intended and adapted.