Hermes Trismegistus on the Being of God. [WE take the following from the Divine Poemander of Hermes Trismegistus. It may be questioned whether the Hermetic books are genuine. They are certainly of great antiquity, and may embody fragments of the writings of the great Hermes. For an account of them see Dr. Smith's Biog. Dict., art. Hermes.-ED.] I would it were possible for thee, O my son! to have wings, and to fly into the air, and being taken up in the midst between heaven and earth, to see the stability of the earth, the fluidness of the sea, the courses of the rivers, the largeness of the air, the sharpness or swiftness of the fire, and motion of the stars, and the speediness of the heaven by which it goeth round about all these. O son! what a happy sight it were, at one instant to see all these-that which is immoveable moved, and that which is hidden appear and be made manifest. And if thou wilt see and behold this workman, even by mortal things that are upon the earth and in the deep, consider, O son! how MAN is made and framed in the womb; and examine diligently the skill and cunning of the workman, and learn who it was that wrought and fashioned the beautiful and divine shape of man. Who circumscribed and marked out his eyes? Who bored his nostrils and ears? Who opened his mouth? Who stretched out and tied together his sinews? Who channelled the veins? Who hardened and made strong the bones? Who clothed the flesh with skin? Who divided the fingers and the joints? Who flatted and made broad the soles of the feet? Who digged the pores? Who stretched out the spleen? Who made the heart like a pyramis? Who made the liver broad? Who made the lungs spongy and full of holes? Who made the belly large and capacious? Who set to outward view the more honourable parts and hid the more filthy ones? See how many arts in one matter, and how many works in one superscription, and all exceedingly beautiful, and all done in measure, and yet all differing. Who hath made all these things? What mother? What father? Save only God that is not manifest that made all things by his own will. And no man says that a statue or an image is made without a carver or a painter; and was this workmanship made without a workman? O great blindness! O great impiety! O great ignorance! CHARLES SOUTHWELL, LATE OF THE SPANISH LEGION.-A man who can publish "shameful immoralities" which have been perpetrated by himself, without expressing the most bitter sorrow for them, and who can declare, that could he lay his hands on a quondam friend who had excited his anger, he "would have no mercy on his body;" destroys his title to be regarded with respect when he puts himself forward, or when he is put forward by a body of men, to discuss the truth of Christianity. Such a man is Charles Southwell, late of the Spanish Legion, as can be proved from Thomas Paterson's Letters, and his own "Confessions of a Free-thinker," a work, by the way, rather scarce of late, but of which Mr. Holyoake, out of kindness no doubt to his secular brother, Mr. Southwell, sent a few copies to Glasgow not very long ago. As our space is too valuable, we care not to enter into the history and character of this man Southwell, whom the Glasgow "Eclectics" delight to honour. We would only say, we envy not their taste; for their model man is in no way calculated to bring into favour the morality which has its guarantees in "utility, intelligence, and the artistic sense." Moreover, Mr. Grant, in his lectures in the City Hall of Glasgow, gave sufficiently ample details to substantiate the estimate which he formed of Southwell's character which, he says, is "base, cruel, and utterly depraved," and which entitles him to disregard. At Burnley, on the 11th October last, Mr. Grant offered to meet Southwell to maintain this in public debate; but Mr. Southwell failed to appear, which was somewhat extraordinary after his blustering. Had he been conscious that he had vantage ground, one would have thought he would have been very glad to prove that Paterson was wrong, and Mr. Grant wrong too, if he followed Paterson, in styling him a "polyglott of iniquities." In these circumstances, respect to the dignity as well as the utility of discussion, precludes from notice Mr. Southwell, and any body of men who put him forward as a fit and proper person to represent them. Since the foregoing was in type, a Glasgow "Eclectic" has appeared in print, in the Reasoner of 12th ultimo, with a panegyric on Mr. Southwell. According to this writer, Mr. Southwell, in two lectures which he delivered to that learned body "The Eclectic Institute," proved that the "Confessions of a Free-thinker" "had not been written to defend his early delinquencies, but rather in condemnation of them." Now, we are sorry we did not hear these lectures: for no such conclusion suggested itself to our mind after a perusal of the book referred to; and, if it requires Mr. Southwell to give two lectures in order to show what the purpose of his book is, we suspect very few will ever discover its true aim. But waiving the "early delinquencies," what, we ask, must be thought of the man, who, in mature years, could indite the following sentences: "I feel that were his (Paterson's), destiny in my hands, his career of infamy would soon be ended," (p. 85). "By that act he forfeited all claim to mercy at my hands," (p. 85). If God, in consequence of hypocrisy so detestable, should have mercy on his soul, I beg it may be well understood, that, in no case would I have mercy on his body," (p. 87). These sentiments were avowed after Mr. Southwell had connected himself with the "Free- (and easy) Thinking Movement;" and yet he is employed by the "Eclectics" as a lecturer! a sure proof that their notions of what morality is, are extremely loose. And yet these are the men that cry out for "progress," rail against churches and ministers, and profess to have the welfare of mankind at heart! It is true, the writer to whom we have referred admits that "Mr. Southwell is certainly no paragon of perfection," but this is faint condemnation. Let him speak boldly out against the spirit of the extracts we have given, and protest against the fitness of the man who could write them to lecture on "morality and religion." In this way, he may win more respect for his party and himself than they at present enjoy. Critical Lutires. THE RATIONALE OF PRAYER. By Rev. G. C. Hutton. Paisley: R. Stewart. 1854.-Mr. Hutton's discourse is marked by vigour and independency of thought. He discusses his subject with great ability, and proves himself an admirable expounder and defender of the truth. SCRIPTURE READINGS-THE PATRIARCHS. By the Rev. Robert Jamieson, D. D., Glasgow. London & Glasgow: Richard Griffin & Co. 1854.-Dr. Jamieson is already very favourably known as an illustrator of Scripture, and this work will certainly not detract from his fame. We are happy to observe that this volume is but the first of a series. THE LOGIC OF MR. HOLYOAKE'S "LOGIC OF DEATH." Glasgow: Blackie & Son. 1854.This is a clever dissection of a very stupid tract. Free-thinkers who have some of that candour about which they clamour so much, and who will read this critique of Mr. Holyoake, will see the Coryphæus of the Secularists reduced to his proper dimensions, and find, to their amazement no doubt, that he is a very small man indeed. We expect much from the "Glasgow Christian Institute," under whose auspices this little tract is published. Its author is a host in himself. WHY WEEPEST THOU? By the Rev. John Macfarlane, LL. D., Glasgow. London: James Nisbet & Co. 1854.-This is an excellent manual for bereaved parents; exhibiting, in a series of letters, the abundant consolations of the Gospel. The subject of infant salvation is very amply discussed. THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD. By the Rev. G. Gilfillan. London: R. Blackadder. 1854.We cannot say that we admire very highly this work of Mr. Gilfillan, It certainly contains some fine writing; but viewed as a philosophical production, it is not entitled to be placed in the first rank. Mr. Gilfillan is a critic, not a thinker. Nature has not gifted him with great strength of intellect, and therefore he is quite out of his sphere when he becomes controversial. We cannot help thinking that he strives too much after effect. He seems more anxious to startle his readers than to enlighten them, to show off himself than to show off his argument. Nevertheless, the book is worth reading. It contains much we like, and much which we are sure will well repay perusal. GLAD TIDINGS. By Rev. W. K. Tweedie, D.D., Edinburgh. London and Edinburgh: Nelson & Sons.-This is a series of Meditations on Religion. As was to be expected, they are distinguished for fervour of feeling and beauty of illustration. A DEFENCE OF THE "ECLIPSE OF FAITH." By the Author of the Eclipse of Faith. London: Longman.-This rejoinder to the "Reply" of Professor Newman is very masterly. The shallowness of this religious chameleon, and the hollowness of his spiritualism, are ably exposed. In the brief space at present at our command, minute criticism is out of the question. We therefore commend the "Defence" most earnestly to our readers, assuring them that they will find it to be what we have said it is. Of QUINQUENERGIA, or Proposals for a New Practical Theology, by H. S. Sutton, we can give our readers little information as yet, except this, that it is dedicated to its work, and to Alice, the wife of the Author! We hope to be able to present, in a short time, a dissection of it; for we see, from the Preface, that Mr. Sutton is not quite sound in the faith. THE TRAVELLER AND THE JESUIT.-A Jesuit Professor of Theology affirmed in Rome, to a scientific traveller, with whom he had a conference, that the people of Rome were entirely ignorant of the Holy Bible, but that the Church venerated it, and is not opposed to its universal use, though her calumniators affirmed the contrary. The Traveller responded that both in Ireland and in Italy where ignorance of the Bible was proverbial, the world attributed it to the prohibitions of the Church. It is an error, said the Jesuit, the Bible is permitted to all who possess understanding, and is circulated generally in Rome. But I have understood it to have been spoken of as entirely otherwise, said the stranger, and therefore being desirous of verifying the fact, have visited all the book shops, those patronised by the Pope, the Jesuits, and the Society for Propagating the Faith, and all others; but in them all, I found it impossible to procure a single copy of the Bible in the vulgar language, in all Rome. Wherever I went, they replied, "It is prohibited." In two shops only, I was offered the edition of Martini in 24 volumes, at the price of 130 francs, and in a manner which proved very clearly that the Holy Bible is absolutely prohibited in Rome. It is because the population of Rome is so poor that none can acquire it, said the Jesuit. No wonder, if they must pay 130 francs for every copy. But why do not the clergy, so numerous and so rich, associate themselves to procure for this Book a cheap sale? O! the priests are too poor, exclaimed the Jesuit. If I am not opposed, said the Traveller, and if it be the truth that there is abundant liberty to diffuse this Book, I charge myself to obtain from the British Bible Society, as many copies as may be needed, for sale and for gratuitous distribution. I thank you, immediately replied the Jesuit, but the people of Rome are in such brutal ignorance as to be incapable of reading anything, and of course the Holy Scriptures also, though they were presented. It grieved the Traveller to have to do with one so orafty, and who first made the excuse of poverty, and afterwards that of ignorance, evidently showing that he was desirous by all means of evading the question. He, therefore, only insisted further on the culpability of thousands of priests and friars, not to mention cardinals and prelates, living in opulence and ease in Rome, while the population around them are dying in the grossest ignorance.-L'Eco d'Italia. Intelligeure. THE GLASGOW YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETY FOR RELIGIOUS IMPROVEMENT was established in 1824. Its object is to collect young men together in small meetings on Sabbath Mornings, to engage in praise, prayer, the reading of the Scriptures, and conversing on the passages read, mutual catechising and occasional essays on religious subjects. There is a Library of upwards of 860 volumes, to which the members of the Society have free access. There are at present connected with the Society, 10 senior meetings, where the exercises are conducted by the members in rotation; and 8 junior meetings, conducted by the President of the meeting. This Society has been the means of doing much good, by guarding young men against evil companions-by introducing them to the society of pious youths, and the exercises of the meetings enlarge their acquaintance with the Scriptures, and thus prepare them for becoming Sabbath-School Teachers, Ministers of the Gospel, and Missionaries at home or abroad. Several of the former Members are now extremely useful in these offices. PAISLEY YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.-This Society has had a very successful year. The number of Members however, is only 45, which we think, from the size of Paisley, might be increased tenfold. The attendance at the lectures has been most encouraging, but the meetings for essays have not been so well attended. The lecturers have been the Rev. Drs. Baird, Hetherington, Robertson, M'Gilvray, and Bannister, and the Rev. Messrs. Grant, Hutton, Wilson, Fraser, Caldwell, Ross, M'Farlane, and Dickson. AIRDRIE YOUNG MEN'S MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.-A very favourable account was given at the last annual meeting of this Association, both of its present state, and of the good that had been accomplished by its instrumentality. Several of its former members are now university students at Edinburgh and Glasgow. LANARK YOUNG MEN'S PROTESTANT AND SABBATH OBSERVANCE SOCIETY.-This Association has monthly meetings for essays, and quarterly meetings for prayer, and occasional public lectures, by Ministers and others. Tracts, in favour of Protestantism, and the sanctity of the Sabbath, are distributed. Thirty young men are thus actively engaged. PERTH-Free St. Leonard's Church Young Men's Sabbath Morning Fellowship Association.This Society was instituted in 1848, and has 36 Members, several of whom are Sabbath-School Teachers, either in other schools, or in the school of which the Association has the sole charge. Correspondence is maintained not only with several similar societies in this country, but also with the young men of the Free Church at Calcutta. Besides the meetings on Sabbath Mornings for praise, prayer, and the devout perusal of God's word; quarterly meetings are held for the transaction of business, reading of essays, &c. There are three kindred Associations in Perth, connected with St. David's Church, North United Presbyterian Church, and Free Middle Church. KIRKALDY YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETY.-This Society, for religious, moral, and intellectual improvement, was instituted April, 1850. For the first year of its existence it was confined to the town of Kirkaldy; but for the last three years it has embraced three Associations-one in Kirkaldy, another in Pathhead, and a third in Dysart. Each of these Associations holds weekly meetings, at which the ordinary plan of following out the objects contemplated is pursuedthat is, reading and criticising essays-while the general business of the Society is transacted at meetings held quarterly, at which also an address is read by one of the members. The number of members, as shown by the reports given in by the Associations at the last quarterly meeting of the Society, was thirty-nine, a number rather below than above the average. The most of the Associations previously existing here excluded the religious element altogether, but it has been scrupulously maintained as the basis of the present one; and it is doubtless to this, in no small degree, that the Kirkaldy Young Men's Society owes its stability, and the regularity of its proceedings. This Society also makes it an object to obtain lectures yearly, and in this it has generally been successful. This year the Rev. Brewin Grant delivered for it two of his lectures on Secularism, a subject which ought to receive the attention of Young Men's Societies wherever its sophistries are prevalent. JEDBURGH.-Thirty-two of the shopkeepers of this town have agreed not to open their places of business on the second Wednesday of each month. LIVERPOOL YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.-It is very gratifying to have to record the successful formation of this Society, which has already made arrangements for holding a Devotional Meeting every Wednesday night, and a Bible Class every Sabbath afternoon, and a Mutual Improvement Meeting once a fortnight. The attendance at these Meetings is rapidly increasing. Ministers and others deliver monthly addresses, which are calculated to produce very beneficial results. BRISTOL YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.-The first annual report of this Society has just been received, from which it appears, that the success of this Institution has been very encouraging. The Young Men's Bible Class is ably conducted, each Sabbath afternoon, by Dr. Ash; and the Christian young men have also a weekly Bible class, under the valuable presidency of the Rev. F. W. Gotch. A Biblical Reference Library, for the benefit of Sabbathschool teachers, has also been commenced. About 4000 tracts have been distributed to the young men in the principal thoroughfares on Sabbath afternoons. Besides the Sabbath-morning prayer meetings, there are several meetings held during the week for religious addresses, by ministers and others, and for devotional exercises. The attendance at these meetings is increasing. Several lectures have been delivered under the joint auspices of this Association and the Church of England Young Men's Society. Reading-rooms are also connected with the Society, and a Circulating Library, containing already 620 volumes, which are taken advantage of by fully 600 subscribers. Classes for instruction in music, drawing, mathematics, English grammar, Hebrew, Greek, and French, and for conversation on scientific and literary subjects, have also been formed, and attended by 104. To accommodate the working classes, the Reading-rooms are open in the evening at 58. per annum, and it is pleasing to state that nearly 120 have availed themselves of the opportunity. The donations amount to nearly £220. France and Switzerland.-For the following information from the continent, we are indebted to Henri Dunant, Geneva. GENEVA Christian Union of Young Men.-This Society recently held a very interesting Social Meeting in a large apartment of the house of M. Adrien Naville, President of the Evangelical Alliance. To this re-union, all the Young Men who attended the Meetings and Lectures of the Society were invited. The Soiree was divided into two parts; the first was occupied by praise, prayer, reading of God's word, and the perusal of various interesting communications. The interest of the meeting was greatly increased by the presence of several members of the Christian Unions of Paris, Lausanne, Neufchatel, and Pontus. The Vaudois Valleys were also represented. At the second part of the Soiree, there were present Professors Gaussen, Diodati, and Merle D'Aubigne, Pastors Baide of Geneva, Bois and Cassignard of Drome, Dhombre of Alais, Fermand of Grenoble, and Martin of St. Gall. Pastor Dhombre in his address on the desirableness of youthful piety, mentioned that one day he visited an old surgeon on his deathbed. This surgeon was an infidel, who mocked at death when it carried away any of his patients, but when his own turn came he was seized with great terror. He earnestly sent for several pastors. They endeavoured to pour into his heart the consolations of the gospel, but alas, all their words were unavailing. No serious impression was produced on the infidel in his agony. It was too late. Pastor Martin stated that a short time ago, he found on the quay, previous to embarking at five o'clock in the morning, a young man evidently very dejected. On enquiry, it was ascertained that the young man having finished his apprenticeship, was quitting the town, and that he was grieved because he would no more enjoy the benefits of the young men's meetings for edification. At these meetings he had learned to understand the truth, and to relish its sweetness. The good which he got at these re-unions was extended to his family, and he became the instrument in the conversion of his father and two sisters. Pastor Bois, in his address, said that Christian Unions of Young Men had been formed at Beaume and Montmeyran, composed almost exclusively of persons employed in agriculture. Much good had already resulted from their meetings.-Professor Gaussen said, it was an interesting fact and worthy of remark, that God often chose the young for the work of religious revival. It was so in the first ages of the Christian Church. The Apostles were all young when they commenced their work of evangelisation. This fact was reproduced at the time of the Reformation. Calvin was famous while yet young. Fromant was not above 22, and Viret was not above 24, when they both preached the gospel throughout Switzerland. Within these few years past the revival of religion commenced among the young men, and now the Holy Spirit is breathing on the young, influencing them in such a manner as to introduce the glorious time for the advancement of the reign of God. On the other hand, the adversary is also multiplying his forces, renewing all his ancient superstitions, his false maxims, his gross errors-these he preaches, these he publishes everywhere. It was therefore incumbent on every Christian to occupy a place in defence of his Master's cause. Professor Diodati, and Pastors Barde, Cassignard, Fermand, and others, also took part in the proceedings of this interesting meeting. Mr. Russell, President of the Boston Association, and Messrs. Tarlton and Falconer, Secretaries of the London and Newcastle Associations, visited the Geneva Society lately, and afforded much encouragement. Mr. Letourneur of Paris gave very interesting details of the religious societies of France. Rev. Mr. Fisch, of Lyons, spoke of the advancement of the reign of God in that town. Francesco Madiai assisted at one of the meetings in Geneva. During the sojourn of Mrs. Beecher Stowe in Geneva, she was written to with a request that she would communicate the salutations of the Christian young men there to the young Christian slaves of America. During last Session, Mr. Auguste Turrettini gave a lecture on Socialism as destructive to individuality and opposed to Christianity. Rev. Mr. Puaux occupied two evenings in a very interesting manner. Mr. Necker treated on the unity of human races as in harmony with revelation. Mr. Charles Le Fort gave an account of his visit to the asylum for young workmen of Rauh-Hans, near to Hamburgh. Mr. Lombard gave an exposition of the religious system of Buddha. The Christian Union of Young Men of Geneva recently appointed two of their number, Messrs. Dunant and Perrot, to visit various societies in the south of France. They had the pleasure of meeting with friends at St. Stephen, Annonay, Nimes, Congenies, and Alais. Though they conversed together for the first time, they were as friendly as if they had been old acquaintances. Hours passed pleasantly away in the company of so many young men earnestly desirous of serving their Saviour, Meetings were held by them at Lyons, Marseilles, Montpellier, Codognan, Vergeze, Vigan, and St. Hippolyte. God in his goodness made the way plain before them. The pastors of every denomination very kindly afforded them every facility for their meetings. Everywhere young men were found disposed to unite in favour of God's word. Interesting letters have been sent by several of these new societies showing the benefits which had resulted from their meetings. At Nimes the deputation found eight young converted soldiers who formed, in their regiment, a little Christian union. Near to Alais they got Pastor Dhombre to preach a sermon in the open air to an audience of peasants who were very serious and attentive. At Vergeze, M. Dunant visited, with other friends, a cave in which the Protestants of old had taken refuge for prayer, and in which they had been repeatedly surprised and massacred. There, under these sombre vaults, which had re echoed the supplications of holy martyrs, on these stones reddened with the blood of witnesses for Jesus Christ, these visitors fell on their knees and prayed that they, too, might not be ashamed of his cross. It must be cheering to be informed of the descendants of these ancient Protestants being so revived at last, and to hear of these young men of the south of France, by the grace of God, so invested with the spiritual armour indispensable for the good fight of faith. Neufchatel.-A meeting was recently held, not in any hall, but on a mountain several miles from the town. Messrs. Tophel and Perrot attended from Geneva. It was truly pleasant for them to meet with a hundred young men of different localities of the Canton, several members of the Vaudois Unions, and ten friends from Glay, who had crossed the frontier to join in this re-union, and pray with their brethren of Switzerland. Recognising the Creator of all the beauties of nature around them as also their Saviour, they sang his praises with high elevation of spirit. Tour de Gourse.-Between Lausanne and Vevey, there is a little village called Cully. Several young men there, engaged in agricultural pursuits, meet regularly for the perusal of God's word. They recently invited the Christian Unions of Switzerland to a general meeting for prayer and edification. Here again, on the summit of a mountain, they met in the morning to the number of 160. After prayer, the "Sermon on the Mount" was read, and formed the subject of meditation. Exhortations were tendered to activity and vigilance. The audience lifted up their voices in various songs of praise. The hours passed pleasantly and profitably. At the middle of the day they partook of a simple repast, a holy joy animating every heart. After dinner they again met, but the sun was descending the horizon, and several of them had great distances to return, so that they were soon obliged to separate with regret. TURIN-Sardinia.-A Young Men's Christian Union was formed in Turin fully a year ago. Notwithstanding the poverty of the working men, it has been productive of great good. Besides meeting together for the study of God's word, the Society attends carefully to the visitation of the sick. This Union has been greatly benefited by the assistance and advice of the one at Geneva. Various movements are in progress which seem to teach that a time of revival is not far distant. Several churches are moving in the right direction. Bibles and religious tracts find ready purchasers throughout the province. UNITED STATES-New Orleans Young Men's Christian Association.-This Society is little more than a year old, but has already effected a considerable amount of good. The meetings were entirely suspended during the late epidemic, with which the city was so awfully visited. Previously to this however, a committee was appointed to attend on sick members. The Members of this committee faithfully performed their work, and some of them were, in consequence, prostrated by disease. No body of equal numbers, so far as the committee has heard, has suffered so little as this Association during the epidemic. Self-Reliance. BY HERCULES ELLIS. HE who would rise from low estate Must never meanly beg the great He must not cringe to gain a friend, But on his own right arm depend, He who would rise from low estate By deeds of high emprise, Must turn from the alluring bait Must self-denial daily use, Nor sloth nor vice obey, But honour's road undaunted choose, He who would rise from low estate By deeds of high emprise, With head erect and soul elate Must combat for the prize; By knowledge, worth, and deeds combined, Must gain a glorious name, And with the treasures of his mind Buy power, and wealth, and fame. |