Cambridge.-Dr. Smith's Prizes are adjudged to Mr. W. Law, of Trinity College, and Mr. W. H. Hanson, of Clare hall. Sir Wm. Brown's Gold Medals: The subjects for the present year arefor the Greek Ode, Delphi."-Latin Ode, "Iris. Pluvius describitur Arcus." Hor.-Greek Epigram, "Exwv, dénovтí ye Quμq”.”—Latin Epigram, "Eloquiumve oculi, aut facunda silentia linguæ.”

No less than five comets were discovered last year, during about as many months; a phenomenon not known to be paralleled in the records of astronomy. It is not, however, to be concluded, that as many may not have been before visible; but astronomers were not formerly as numerous or vigilant as at present.

In a recent trial, in which a printer brought an action against Mr. Stockdale the bookseller, for the amount of a bill for printing, the Lord Chief Justice disallowed the claim, on the ground that, the work printed being immoral and licentious, no person concerned in bringing it before the public could maintain an action for compensation for his labour. "He who has lent himself," said he, "to the violation of the laws of his country, in this gross and shameful manner, shall not be allowed to claim payment for what he has done in execution of such a criminal purpose; and even every servant, however small his connexion with a work, is equally liable in law with the master, if the work be of an injurious tendency."

The utility of educating the deaf and dumb was shewn in a late trial for robbery, in which a deaf and dumb orphan boy was prosecutor. The Secretary to the Deaf and Dumb Institution, in Dublin, was sworn to interpret, and communicated the questions and replies. The prisoner was found guilty, and sentenced to transportation. The boy, in a letter to the judge, after detailing the circumstances of the robbery, recommends the woman to mercy; adding, “ Perhaps, if a good minister will speak to her some things about God and Jesus Christ, she will be repentant, and will become a good woman, and a minister will be better than a judge."

66

Mr. J. Frost, F. S. A., F. L. S., remarks on the mustard tree of the Scriptures, Luke xiii. 19, "I am not acquainted with any species of sinapis that can be called a shrub, much less a tree. The plant most likely to be the mustard tree of the Scriptures is a species of Phytolacca, which grows abundantly in Palestine: it has the smallest seed of any tree

in that country, and attains as great an altitude as any. Two facts confirm this opinion. The Americans use the fresh sliced root of Phytolacca Decandra, for the same purpose as we use mustard seed; viz. that of a Cataplasm. The seed of a species of Phytolacca affords, what the seed of sinapis nigra does in abundance, nitrogen; an element not found in many plants, except those belonging to the natural orders Cruciata and Fungi.” INDIA.

Souls transmigrate, according to the tenets of the Fo religion, by means of six passages, to six orders or classes of beings: the first is that of the celestials; the second, that of men; the third, that of the genii; the fourth, that of beasts; the fifth that of demons; the sixth, that of the inhabitants of hell. Into one or other of these classes, by means of transmigration, whatever is animated passes and repasses perpetually, according to merit or demerit. To get to heaven, it is necessary to do good and shun evil; but as beneficence is more or less perfect, so heaven has many degrees or stages, which, beginning at the earth, are elevated one upon another. There are thirteen of these heavens ; after which there are five others, from whence the inhabitants never return. Those in the fifth, or highest, are entirely purged from error, and behold clearly the nature of all things. They are still, however, material, not having yet arrived at complete annihilation.

The Syrian Metropolite, Mar Athansius, who has lately arrived in Bombay, proceeding on a mission to that church from the Patriarch, waited on the Bishop of Calcutta, during his lordship's stay in Bombay, and attended divine service at St. Thomas's. The Metropolite remaining after the sermon to receive the sacrament, the Bishop conducted him within the rails of the altar, placed him in his own chair, and administered the communion to him, together with the English clergy and the Syrian priest in attendance. -The Bishop of Calcutta embarked from Bombay for Ceylon, taking with him the Rev. T. Robinson, of Poona, as his chaplain.

AMERICA.

The following are calculated as the proportions in which different languages prevail in the new world. The English language is spoken by 11,647,000; the Spanish by 10,504,000; the Indian by 7,593,000; the Portuguese by 3,740,000; the French by 1,242,000; the Dutch, Danish, and Swedish, by 216,000 persons; making,

altogether, the number of 27,349,000 speaking the European languages, and 7,593,000 the Indian.

LA PLATA.

As an illustration of the scattered state of the population in many parts of South

America, it is calculated that the metropolis of Great Britain alone is supposed to contain more inhabitants than all the provinces of La Plata, extending over 28 degrees of latitude and 13 of longitude.

THEOLOGY.

Hora Sabbaticæ. By G. Higgins. The Christian Hearer, designed to shew the Importance of hearing the Word, and to assist Christians in hearing with profit. By the Rev. E. Bickersteth. 5s.

Essays on the Evidences, Doctrines, and Practical Operation of Christianity. By J. J. Gurney. 10s. 6d.

An Examination of the Rev. J. Matthew's Sermon, entitled, "The Necessity of Philosophy to the Divine." By W. P. Pinchard.

Affectionate Address to the Members of the Church of England, on Separation. By the Rev. T. Brook.

The Christian Exodus; or the Deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, practically considered. 2 vols. 8vo. 17. 1s.

Sermons preached in Barbadoes. By the Rev. W. J. Shrewsbury. 8vo. 7s.

The Life of our Saviour Jesus Christ. 4s. A Sermon preached at the Consecration of St. Paul's, Alverthorpe. By the Rev. J. Bayley.

Devotional Verses. By Bernard Barton. 6s. 6d.

The Analogy between the Natural and Spiritual Worlds. 1 vol. 8vo. 8s.

Is this Religion? By the author of "May you like it." 78.

Outlines of Truth. By a Lady. 5s. Letters on the Church. By an Episcopalian. 8vo. 7s.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Reflections on recent Occurrences at Lichfield; including an Illustration of the Opinions of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.; on Slavery and the Distribution of the Scrip

tures. Addressed to the Rev. Thomas Gisborne, Prebendary of Durham.

Letters on the Necessity of a prompt Extinction of British Colonial Slavery, chiefly addressed to the more influential Classes; with Thoughts on Compensation. 5s.

Slavery, the Curse of England. By S. Roberts.

The State of Clerical Education examined, and a Remedy for its Defects proposed. By Eusebius.

Bishop Hall, his Life, and Times. By the Rev. J. Jones. 1 vol. 8vo. 14s.

A Visit to the Rectory of Passy. By the Rev. J. Peers.

The Reign of Terror, or the_revolutionary Government of France. By Eyewitnesses. 2 vols. 8vo. 24s.

A History of the French Revolution. From the French of F. A. Miguet. 2 vols. A View of the System and Merits of the East-Indian College at Haileybury. By R. Grant. 3s. 6d.

Specimens of Ancient Decorations from Pompeii. By J. Goldicutt, Architect. Imp. 8vo. 21. 8s.; proofs in 4to. 47. 4s.

Disquisitions upon painted Greek Vases. By J. Christie. 4to. 21. 2s.

Literary and Miscellaneous Memoirs. By J. Cradock. 8vo.

Memoirs of the Margravine of Anspach, written by herself. 2 vols. 8vo. 28s.

Memoirs of the Countess De Genlis. Vols. 7 and 8, completing the work. 16s. French, 14s.

New Theory of the Earth and its Inhabitants. By a Christian Philosopher. Letters on the State of Ireland. By E. A. Kendall. Parts I. II. and III. 17. 16s.

PROGRESS OF EDUCATION IN

SOUTH AMERICA.

WE extract from the last Report of the British and Foreign School Society, the following interesting notices respecting the progress of education in South America.

"Your Committee rejoice that the advantages of education, and the superior excellence of the British system are duly appreciated in the States of South America. And it affords them high gratifica

tion to reflect, that, while by speculation and commerce so many are aiming to acquire the wealth of the new world, the efforts of enlightened zeal are employed, in conveying to the inhabitants those truths which an inspired writer declares to be more precious than gold.' Upwards of fifty schools have been established in Buenos Ayres, and are supported at the public expense: they contain more than 3,000 children. In Peru, the labours of Mr. Thomson were partially inte

Some

rupted by the war: nevertheless, there are still about 200 children in the Model School at Lima, where several persons have learned the system; another school in the same city has eighty scholars. The New Testament has been recentlytranslated into the language of the native Peruvians by a descendant of the Incas Mr. Thomson had been at Quito, having left Peru with the intention of travelling through Colombia, and thence sailing to England. He states, that in all the places through which he passed the people manifested great anxiety for education and the Scriptures. Nearly 1500 New Testaments were disposed of on the journey; and at Truxillo and Guayaquil the magistrates urgently requested him to stay among them and open schools. The Government of Colombia had enacted that schools shall be established in all the provinces, and that the system of mutual instruction shall be adopted. This important decree is now in operation: model schools have been formed in Bogota, the capital, and in some of the chief cities, whence the system will reach the neighbouring towns and villages. The benefits of instruction are to be extended to females. difficulties had arisen, chiefly owing to the want of funds, but it was not expected that they would be of long duration: the zeal of the Legislature, connected with the attachment which the inhabitants already begin to manifest to the system, will gradually overcome all obstacles, and diffuse throughout Colombia the blessings of education. A school of mutual instruction was opened in Mexico in the year 1822, under the auspices of the late Emperor, who had purposed to establish the system in all the provinces. The Committee were informed that a similar measure was contemplated by the present Government. Desirous of encouraging and assisting the prosecution of the plan, they had authorized a gentleman, who was about to leave this country for Mexico, to confer with the Government, and offer, in the name of this Society, education and support for two young men, either Spaniards or Aborigines, by whose means the system of mutual instruction may be effectively introduced and established. The British public may now be congratulated on the pleasing prospect of permanent peace and consolidated freedom in these extensive States. Civilization and plenty will accompany peace; and it may be expected that science and the arts, literature, and, above all, morality and religion, CHRIST, OBSERV. No. 290.

will feel the effects, and thrive in the general prosperity."

TRACT SOCIETIES ON THE CONTINENT OF EUROPE.

The last Report of the London Tract Society furnishes the following_notices relative to the progress of Tract Societies on the continent of Europe.

The Committee of the Paris Society have added several tracts and broad sheets to their series. During the year there had been 80,000 tracts circulated; making a total of 220,000. There are many impediments, however, to the circulation of books and tracts in France, especially a decision of the minister of the interior prohibiting the hawking of books, without any exception. This decision, it was feared, would greatly fetter the benevolent intentions of the friends of religion in France.

The Netherlands Society has circulated, during the year, many thousand tracts. The Secretary says, "Our Society goes on prosperously; and we have many reasons to look forward to better things. The efforts of the Society have been beneficial in the conversion of sinners."

In Germany Dr. Leander Van Ess has actively circulated his tracts in support of the universal dissemination of the Word of God. Of his small book, entitled, "The Holy Chrysostom; or the Voice of the Catholic Church, concerning a useful, salutary, and edifying Method of reading the Bible;" he had been enabled, partly by a grant from the London Tract Society, to publish 5000 copies. He writes, "I rejoice to say, many blessed results have ensued from its dissemination among Catholics; especially at the present period, when, by the bull of the pope, the circulation of the Bible has been much ridiculed and impeded. My correspondence has convinced me, that many weak individuals, especially among the Catholic clergy, have been encouraged in the Bible cause by the reading of this book; and, as its circulation extends, the prejudices of the common people also are vanishing away." Though a Catholic himself, he adds; "In a period like the present, when Rome and Romanists are making all their powers and influence subservient to the pernicious works of darkness, both by words and writings, it is our duty to do all in our power to counteract their efforts; persuaded that the Lord will not suffer his true Christian church, of all confessions, to be overthrown. Incalculable Q

good may be effected by the means of small instructive tracts, which the people are fond of reading. If aid for this work is afforded to me, I have a great number of correspondents and fellow-labourers in every quarter, who will give their assistance. The Hamburgh Tract Society has, during the year, greatly increased its operations: the issues exceed 38,000. One of its friends says-" Almost every week, some instance of their usefulness comes to my knowledge; and not a few souls, in Hamburg and its neighbourhood, will have to bless God, through the endless ages of eternity, for the formation of this Society."

In the year 1823, the Evangelical Society at Stockholm circulated 64,895 tracts; making a total, since 1800, of nearly 2,000,000.

From Poland, a Missionary writes "Your tracts have been instrumental in stirring up many to a sense of true religion; and deputations have been sent to us, inviting us to go and preach the Gospel of Christ, where the tracts have been given."

The following is an extract from a communication from Gibraltar. "It is an important fact, that many of the Spaniards begin to suspect that they have been misled this has naturally resulted from their reading of the holy Scriptures and other religious books. They willingly receive tracts from us, and as willingly converse with us on the subject of religion." Another correspondent on the continent says-Spain is a vast field open before you, and seems to call for your labours. I am acquainted with a Spanish priest, who begins to enjoy Divine truth, through the reading of some tracts. He has translated "Conversation between Two Friends," "On Regeneration," "The Woodmen," and "The Swiss Peasant."

SUNDAY-SCHOOL SOCIETY FOR

IRELAND.

We have frequently laid before our readers a statement of the plans and progress of this highly useful Society. The following is a brief summary of its proceedings up to a recent date.

The Society was first established in the year 1809. At that time it is calculated, there were but seventy Sunday-schools in all Ireland; and these not on the best plan. The Report of the Society read at the last Annnal Meeting, states that 1702 Sunday-schools are now in connexion with this Society; which are re

ported to contain 12,837 gratuitous teachers, and 150,831 scholars. The issue of books from the depository gratuitously, and at reduced prices, since the establishment of the Society, has amounted to 10,624 Bibles-155,271 Testaments

425,190 Spelling Books—1,698 copies of the Society's excellent "Hints for conducting Sunday Schools."

The Committee state, that the practical benefits which have resulted from the Sunday-school system of instruction, have been of a most beneficial nature. For the truth of this assertion, they refer to the testimony borne by persons of every rank and class of society, in the course of their correspondence with the Society. The following effects are specified as resulting from the Sunday-school system of instruction." The Sabbath is no longer wasted or profaned, as the day for idle sports and petty depredations, but becomingly appropriated to its intended object, the acquisition of religious know. ledge, and the enjoyment of devotional feeling. Children are trained up in the principles of Christianity-parents are benefitted by the lessons and example of their offspring-the general habits and manners of the poor are improved-domestic comforts are promoted--the labours of parochial and other ministers are facilitated-there is an increased attendance of both parents and children at public worship-the holy Scriptures are introduced and valued in families where hitherto they were unknown

and a bond of connexion is established between the different ranks of society."

This Society receives no aid by any grant from the Legislature, and depends solely upon voluntary contributions for its support. A large field of usefulness, the Committee state, lies open before it; and they trust that an increase of its funds will afford increased facilities for the more general extension of a system which they consider, after long experience, admirably adapted to the wants and feelings of the people of Ireland.

NEWFOUNDLAND SCHOOL SO

CIETY.

The following is the substance of the Second Report of this highly useful institution.

Availing themselves of the liberality of his Majesty's Government, the Committee procured, through Lord Bathurst, a passage to Newfoundland for two schoolmasters and a schoolmistress, who, on their arrival in the island, received very

general assurances of cordial co-operation. A suitable building was immediately hired in St. John's, for a central school, which was opened with about 40 boys and 35 girls. There are three descriptions of proper objects for the Society's benevolent efforts in the island; namely, children who are too young to work, young men who are employed on the wharfs, and adults: the first and last of these, it is hoped, may be collected together and much improved; but the difficulties in the way of instructing the young men are very great. number of the children is sufficient to fill many schools.

The

One of the masters, in writing to the Committee, says, “I have had much conversation with the fishermen who come from the out-harbours and coves; and it is lamentable to hear how many there are, residing at those various places, without any means of instruction. Many of the men have begged spelling books for their children, whose wants I have supplied. The boys not only make a great improvement in their learning, but in their behaviour also. Our school has been visited by many respectable persons, who were much gratified with the system, and some have given us their support." So great was the desire of the poor to obtain instruction for their children, that, in three months from the day the school opened, no less than one hundred and thirty-two children were entered on the books, and regularly attended. The number has since greatly increased. The managers refuse to receive children, unless satisfied that their parents cannot afford to pay for their education. The necessity for schools appears to be very generally admitted in the colony, particularly by the merchants and the magistrates. An adult evening-school had been established, and contained about forty scholars; many of whom, during the summer, work on the wharfs, and in the winter season go into the woods to cut timber, having no other opportunity than what this school affords of obtaining instruction. The first scholar was a young Black from Bermuda.

The desire for education is rapidly extending to the out-harbours, from whence several applications for schools have been forwarded to the Committee. The Committee have engaged to send the requisite number of masters, as soon as proper persons can be procured for the office, with an understanding that the inhabitants shall, to the utmost of their power, assist in defraying the expenses of the establishment. The Committee justly

consider, that, besides mere capacity and acquirement, great simplicity of spirit, zeal tempered with prudence, great affection, humility, and disinterestedness, much patience and courage, and, above all, tried and genuine piety, are requisite to form a competent schoolmaster or schoolmistress for the objects of this Society. In addition to the central school, and that for adults, a Sunday-evening school in St. John's has been commenced with every prospect of success. At Quidi Vidi, a local school had been opened, at which about forty-three scholars attend. A considerable increase had taken place in the receipts of the Society for the year; and the expenditure, during the same period, having been comparatively small, in consequence of the preparatory and limited nature of the Society's operations, the Committee are enabled, without delay, to enter with vigour upon the duties before them. But they wish explicitly to state what are the real necessities of the island, and that the present funds of the Society are quite inadequate to meet them. They calculate, that the establishment of twenty schools will be the least provision for a population so peculiarly circumstanced as that of Newfoundland. The original cost of erecting each of these schools, exclusive of the aid which may be rendered by the islanders, will require a sum of not less than 3007, making a total of 6,000. The collective salaries and expenses of the masters and mistresses will amount to 40001. per annum. The success which has attended the operations of the Society affords ample ground of thanksgiving to God, and of encouragement to persevering effort.

To the Report is prefixed a very interesting discourse, preached before the Society, by the Rev. Henry Budd, for which we must refer our readers to the volume itself.

LEVANT MISSIONS.

We have selected this title for want of one more comprehensive, in order to lay before our readers a general view of the plans now in progress for the benefit of the inhabitants of the interesting regions which lie to the North, the South, and the East, of the Levant, comprising in our notice the operations of the various missionary establishments in the neighbourhood of the Red, the Mediterreanean, the Black, and the Caspian seas, and the Persian Gulf. We are indebted for the following particulars to the valuable digest in the annual survey in the Missionary