gale, the ship was totally wrecked, and he was plunged into the seething surge, the sea at the time running mountains high; but he was a good swimmer, and reached what proved to be a rock at a little distance off, and contrived in the dark, by dint of great effort, to reach the top. He had again, he thought, escaped a watery grave, and was congratulating himself on his good luck, when it suddenly occurred to him that possibly it was a barren rock in mid-ocean, for he had not the remotest idea where he was, and might after all be left there to perish of starvation, which thought greatly alarmed him. And now, to add to his dismay, he discovered that the tide was rising. And, oh horrors ! in a short time it would possibly rise above the level of the rock. Alas! the rock after all then was not above high water mark, and the conviction flashed through his soul that at length his last hour had arrived, and he gave himself up for lost. By this time the tide had reached his feet, and in an agony he fell on his knees for the first time in his life, and cried for mercy! And there swept over his soul a more terrible gale than that which had swept his body overboard. His whole life stood out before him, with all its guilt and sin, and he trembled at the idea of meeting an angry God! But there, on a barren rock, in the depths of a dark night, but darker still in soul, amid the howling of the winds and the roar of the waters, he poured out his soul in one agonizing cry, 'God be merciful to me a sinner,' vowing that if God would spare his life, that life should be given to Him. And now all his school days came rushing back into his mind, the Scriptures he had learnt, the hymns he had sung, the prayers he had heard, and the instruction he had received, all came back again. He was a boy at school once more, and it melted his hard heart, and humbled him in deepest abasement. The fountains of the great deep were broken up, and he rained bitter tears of repentance, and made a full surrender of himself to God on the spot. The Lord heard his prayers, for though the tide rose till he stood up to his armpits in water, at that point it began to recede, until it had again left the rock high and dry. The day was then just breaking. To his surprise he found he was not far from land. He was descried from the shore and rescued. His life was saved, and, what is more, his soul was saved too. He stepped on shore a new man, determined, by God's grace, to lead a new life, and at once, if possible, to undo some of the mischief he had caused. He became as decided and earnest for God as he had been for the devil, and was as bold in God's cause as he had been in the devil's service. began with his comrades. He read the Bible to them, prayed for them and with them. No amount of ridicule, or opposition, or persecution deterred or discouraged him, and he soon gained such an influence over them as in the end to win their respect and esteem, for he had been the means of the conversion of many."

He

The clergyman had listened with breathless interest to this story, and when the man stopped he was going to say-but the sailor, interrupting him, said, “I have one thing more to add; I am Harry, Sir, your old scholar, and I

The clergyman, starting to his feet, exclaimed, "You Harry! you Harry! is it possible?" and rushing to the sailor, grasped him by the hand, and held it tight. "You Harry!" he cried again; "thank God, thank God! O, my dear friend, how glad I am to see you, and to hear of God's grace and mercy to you." And they mingled their tears and their prayers together.

It need not be added that Harry was a welcome guest in his old teacher's house, who in the meantime had become a clergyman, and was living at a rectory not far from the city where both teacher and scholar had formerly lived. There is little more to be added. Harry went to sea again; and some two years afterwards another sailor called to say that Harry had gone home. "Then he has finished his course," said the clergyman. "I hope he was faithful to the end."

"Died at his post, Sir," said the sailor. "We ne'er shall see his like

again. He sacrificed his life for us, Sir, and in the service of his Lord. He would visit the sick in the hospital; he was one of the best of nurses, and incessant in praying and reading with the sick and the dying. He caught the yellow fever in these visits, and passed away to glory, mourned and loved by all. 'He rests from his labours, and his works do follow him."

There are two lessons to be drawn from this true story. First, never despair of the worst and most hopeless character in the school, and never expel a boy if it can possibly be avoided.

Next, let no Sunday-school teacher be discouraged by the want of success. Let him " sow in hope and labour in hope," "casting his bread on the waters," with the assurance "that it shall be found after many days." From the most unlikely field has been reaped before now the richest harvest.

Correspondence.

[We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our Correspondents.]

APOSTACY FROM PROTESTANTISM.

To the Editor of the Free Church of England Magazine.

Sir, The enemies of our Protestant Church are incessantly at work"in season and out of season "-in corrupting the rising generation.

66

To meet these "false brethren who have crept into the Church of England unawares is no easy task; for they are full of all subtlety and deceivableness of speech." By corrupt hymn and devotional books, pictures, images, decorations, sensuous attractions, they captivate and charm our young people, and make material impressions upon them which, when once made, are extremely difficult to be removed. The sad mischief that these so-called priests (or bold apostates) have already made and are still making among the young, is as distressing as it ought to be most alarming to those of us who are grounded in the history and doctrines of the Reformation, and who are anxious earnestly to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.

Besides lectures and sermons, to be delivered at least once a month to the young children and teachers in our Church of England congregations (STATE OR FREE), I strongly advocate the wholesale dissemination in our Sunday schools of simple, short, and pithy tracts adapted to youthful minds; and I beg to suggest such tracts, as leaflets, being delivered to the young wholesale as they leave church or school, or the lecture-room, after hearing sermons and lectures on the Protestant Bible religion.

I suggest also that these anti-ritualistic tracts should be extensively but judiciously circulated in those parishes and districts infested by these jesuitical and domineering traitors.

I suggest, further, that the whole system of Romanism, Ritualism, Sacerdotalism, and especially the horrors of the degrading Confessional and of nunneries and convents, be prominently brought before our youth.

The miniature editions of "Foxe's Book of Martyrs," and "Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress," ought to be circulated by hundreds of thousands among our schools throughout the land.

Let us all, Sir, be up and doing in these perilous times of sham formal religion and gross hypocrisy; for these Romanizers, gaining a hold upon parishes and creating animosity in families, would seek by physical force, if they had the power, to undo (as they impudently avow their dishonest intention to undo) the work of the Reformation in England. In my opinion. as a State Churchman and a lawyer, Ritualism is an anti-social system of priestcraft, superstition, and idolatry of the worst kind, repugnant to the spirit and letter of our laws, the morals of the people, and the best interests of a free and enlightened State.-I am, Sir, your obedient servant, GEORGE PRINCE JOYCE.

Newport, Isle of Wight, February, 1877.

Ecclesiastical Register.

[All communications for this department must be sent direct to the Editor, New Malden, Surrey, not later than the 18th of the month.]

CHELTENHAM.-NORTH PLACE CHURCH.

On Thursday, February 1st, the Rev. W. M. Lennox delivered a lecture on his recent visit to Mount Vesuvius, including Capri, Herculaneum and Pompeii, Puteoli, Baiæ, and other scenes of interest along the Neapolitan coast. Photographs of the principal places were exhibited by means of the Lime Light. Alderman Willmott presided, and a good collection was made in aid of the Restoration Fund.

On Friday, February 2nd, the members of the choir of North Place Church, with their wives and friends, sat down to an excellent supper, served in the schoolroom, and provided by the_liberality of the managers. About fifty were present. The Rev. W. M. Lennox, and Messrs. Mills, Fildes, and Thomas Mills, presided at the tables. Speeches, interspersed with music, occupied the remainder of the evening, though the company before separating did not fail to express their thanks to the managers for their generous hospitality.

ILFRACOMBE.-CHRIST CHURCH FREE CHUCH OF ENGLAND.

The annual Tea Meeting was held at the Town Hall, on Wednesday, January 31. Wet, cold, and uncomfortable though the weather was, about two hundred people sat down to tea, and the several tables were presided over by the following ladies: Mesdames Brown, Devonald, Mogridge, Keall, Dyer, Hussell, and Misses Price (2), Marshall, Hobbs, Moule, and Huxtable. At the Public Meeting in the evening, the Hall was filled. After singing a hymn, the Bishop offered prayer, and then addressing the meeting, said he would not occupy them with a long speech, for he was anxious to give as much time as possible to their friend the lecturer. But he could not help saying how pleased he was to see so many present on such an unpropitious night. He felt thankful to God for enabling them to gather together again as they had done in many previous years. Miss Price then played a pianoforte solo, Lays of Albion." The Bishop expressed his regret at the unavoidable absence of the Revs. F. F. Medcalf and W. Spilsbury, after which the Rev. J. Bainton addressed the meeting, on the "Responsibility of Influence," which he enforced by many arguments and illustrations. Miss Marshall then sang, 66 He shall feed His flock," and Miss Price played a pianoforte solo. Bishop Price then introduced the lecturer, the Rev. Albert Hockley, who congratulated him on the happy gathering of Christians of all denominations, and delivered a very able and interesting lecture on Electricity. Bishop Price warmly thanked the lecturer, and called on Dr. Slade-King, as Hon. Sec. to the Science and Art classes, who said he was sure that he was anticipating the unanimous wish of those present in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer for the interesting experiments he had shown them that evening, experiments which were the outcome of the long labours of scientific men. He would include with his proposed vote of thanks to the lecturer, one to the Rev. Bishop Price, who had procured them the treat, and who was a hard-working member of the Science and Art Committee. The Rev. Albert Hockley acknowledged the compliment, but assurred them they were indebted, if indebted they were, to the Bishop, who had brought him there. -The Right Rev. Bishop Price thanked all for their kind vote, and for the kind assistance they had given that evening, especially he mentioned Miss Marshall, whose talent, he hoped, would always be devoted to a noble

purpose.

LUDLOW.-TRINITY FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

On Wednesday evening, February 7, the members and friends connected with this Church assembled, at the invitation of the Rev. J. Renny, in the Good Templar Hall, Brand-lane, to partake of a social cup of tea. About one hundred accepted the invitation. The proceedings commenced with an exposition of the Canons of the Free Church, its doctrines, and its work. A hymn, "He careth for me,' was then sung, after which tea was served. An address on "The Tabernacle," illustrated with diagrams, was also given by the Rev. James Renny. The Rev. incumbent, in suitable terms, spoke of the services rendered by Mr. A. J. Smith and his family during a period of eighteen months, more especially those of Miss C. E. Smith, who had cheerfully and assiduously performed the duties of harmonionist; and in the names of the members of the congregation of the Free Church of England, presented Miss Smith with a very handsomely-carved Swiss sandal-wood Casket, an Harmonium album, and two volumes of Rimbault's "Voluntaries for the Harmonium."

NEW MALDEN.-TRINITY FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

On Sunday, February 18th, special sermons were preached in this church in aid of the Sunday School. The Incumbent preached in the morning from Deuteronomy xi. 18, and spoke very earnestly upon the duty of the Church in seeing to the spiritual instruction of the young. In the evening, the prayers were read by the Rev. J. Wilkie, of Teddington. The sermon was preached by the Right Rev. Bishop Sugden, from Matt. xviii. 2: "And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them." It is seldom that we have listened to an address so appropriate in every sense to the occasion; so full of profound wisdom, practical advice, and heartstirring piety. To all the teachers it was a great encouragement, and we are sure that the Bishop's kind words and earnest appeal, must have its effect in arousing in the Church a lively interest in the welfare of the Sunday school. Special hymns were sung by a choir of young people, under the direction of Mr. Lee, the organist, and the Bishop afterwards expressed his satisfaction at the efficiency and heartiness manifested in this part of the worship.

PUTNEY.-EMMANUEL FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

An afternoon "Service for Children" is now held, on the last Sunday in every month, in the Church. This we trust will tend to promote the establishment of a vigorous Sunday-school. The Rev. H. O. Myers is giving a very interesting series of Thursday Evening Lent Lectures on Doré's

celebrated Pictures.

SOUTHAMPTON.-ST. JOHN'S FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

We are glad to hear that new life has been infused in the church at Southampton, and that our friends are thinking of erecting schools upon the land adjoining the church. At a recent teachers' meeting, this subject was discussed. Mr. E. J. Ruffell was re-appointed Hon. Secretary to the Sunday-school.

ST. GEORGE'S BERMUDA.-FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. We are glad to receive a favourable report from the Church. From the Bermuda Colonist, we learn that the Rev. R. A Bilkey has delivered an able lecture on Henry VIII. and the English Reformation. On Christmas Day, an early six o'clock, Morning Service was held at the Young Men's Christian Association, the music being furnished by the Free Church of England Sunday-schools. Addresses were delivered, among others, by the Rev. Mr. Bilkey, and W. C. Hyland, Esq., Superintendent of the School.

TOTTINGTON.-ST. JOHN'S FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

The seventh annual treat to old people residing within a certain radius of Tottington, took place on January 27th. About 300 persons partook of an

excellent tea in St. John's Free Church of England School. Among this number is included sixty-eight old men, and ninety-eight old women. After tea, the proceedings were presided over by Mr. Hugh Roberts. There were on the platform the Revs. J. Brunskill (the pastor), C. Freeman (Birkenhead), R. Johnson, Esq. (Manchester), and other gentlemen.

The CHAIRMAN delivered a brief address, in the course of which he said he did not think that "auld acquaintance" ought to be forgot, such occasions as that were the very times when they should sing the songwhen they all met together to have a friendly cup of tea, and when they could enjoy each other's company, exchange friendly greetings, and wish each other a Happy New Year. There were many present whom he had known ever since he was a lad. Some were at their first annual gathering seven years ago, when there were 140 present. At the present meeting there was an increase in the number, but not quite as many as last year, many having died since that time. Some twenty or thirty were kept away by the inclemency of the weather-indeed some of the oldest, between eighty-seven and ninety, could not come on that account, and he suggested that it might be better to have the treat in summer time. In conclusion he wished them all a Happy New Year, and said he was very glad to see them. The Rev. J. BRUNSKILL pointed out that more of the old people had died during the past year than in the preceding year. Many of them were called off last Spring during the bitterly cold weather. Whilst the old folks' service was going on, twelve months ago, one of the oldest women drew her last breath. The oldest woman present (Betty Birtwistle) was eighty-seven, and the oldest man (Squire Nuttall) was eighty-six, and to each of those he handed a half-crown.

An excellent programme of glees and selections were gone through by the choir, which was conducted by Mr. H. G. Roberts, and Mrs. Harris officiated as accompanist, Mr. R. Johnson (Manchester), and Rev. C. Freeman (Birkenhead), also delivered brief addresses.

وو

The following day the "Old Folks'" Service was held in the Church, at which most of the old people assembled. The service was read by the Rev. C. Freeman, of Birkenhead, and the sermon was preached by the Rev. J. Brunskill, from Proverbs xvi. 31: "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness." He began by saying it all turned on the little word If. An old man had said, he would attend the service If his cough was better, snd an old woman said, If her pain was gone, she could come. He went on to say, If there was no sin, there would be no pain or suffering, and that old age itself, as well as its infirmities, were the result of sin. He dwelt on the secret of a happy old age, and how to attain it, giving instances of what he himself had witnessed; how that religion can make a happy old age, and give a bright hope of heaven. The sermon was listened to with marked attention, and would, doubtless, lead to serious reflection on the part of many who had lived to three score and ten.

The Editor's Table.

The Two Rectors. By WIDWORTHY. 8vo., sewed. Colmer, 48, Hunter-street. 1875. The story of two clergymen-a Ritualist and an Evangelical-and their efforts to do good according to their respective views. How the vagaries and innovations of the one brought trouble into the parish, and how the quiet benevolent life and work of the other brought respect and peace are well told. As a specimen of the production of the "Ladies printing press for the employment of necessitous gentlewomen," we cannot award it much commendation. Printed in a bolder type, and on paper of a smaller size, and with a due regard to other business details, the tale might have obtained that which it deserves-but is not likely to have-a large circulation.