must have occurred corresponding changes in the constitution of natural things, to accommodate them to his new nature: they were not accidents, but intentions in the mind of the supreme disposer; and consequently the conclusion is forced on us, that it does not involve any question of his moral attributes of government, if he has permitted races to become extinct, whose nature, as received at their formation, could not be supported within the greater range demanded by the new order of things.

We are not at present able to obtain any adequate idea of the greatness of these natural changes; but we are able to perceive that while it has reached the deepest portions of the solid globe, man has been able to penetrate, it has been stretched to the summit of the highest mountains. There is not a species of rock now known, of which we can be absolutely certain that it existed in the days of Adam; and of by far the largest part there are proofs that they were consolidated at comparatively recent periods; and this too with attendant circumstances, to shew, the great probability, that among the revolutions which have occurred, the largest portion of the present known lands was once the bottom of the sea-and of the sea that it now covers what once was dry land. If the evidence of some of these particulars is not displayed in the Bible to the extent of what we suppose to be their importance, it can be accounted for by our knowledge that this book is not an history of the world nor of science-nor even of all the occurrences of Providence but that it was intended by concentrating attention on some particulars of the mighty scheme of redemption, to afford us such grounds of faith as should be sufficient to satisfy an honest enquirer, rather than such an overwhelming accumulation of facts as might gratify the curiosity or leave nothing unexplained. We must be content then, on many occasions, with short references to circumstances, which were indeed of importance in their day, and were well known to the narrator; but whose chief importance, if now known in full, would be apprehended only by the man of science; and which if detailed at length, would only prove, what other matters, more fully related, sufficiently attest. The following references are brought forward in corroboration of the views already advanced, and are to be taken, less for the sake of the simple facts related, than as implying much more that must be understood as accompanying them.

Natural or instinctive habits received at the creation were at an early period changed. Man became subject to guilt and shame, and woman to great sorrow and suffering in child-bearing; the serpent was made to adopt a new mode of progression and subsistence, Gen. iii. 7-16.; added to which ch. iii. 17. the earth was so changed, that the less valuable plants found the soil and seasons better fitted to their fertility, than those better adapted for human food; and the soil was made to require cultivation, to assist the production of the desired crop. Gen. iii. 7-19. The rainbow which is mentioned as first appearing when the waters of the flood retired, should also be mentioned here; for it could not have existed in the state of things implied by Moses, when the ground was only watered by a mist; and it might have been urged by a contemporary of Methuselah, who might choose to laugh at the building of Noah's ship in an inland country, that a flood of waters was philosophically impossible; for according to the then present constitution and composition of the air, it could not take place. The next era of the shortening of the natural term of human life was closely subsequent to the flood: at which time an alteration was made in the nature of human sustenance, which before was only vegetable, but now animal food was permitted, an important fact, in showing the change which had passed over man's nature. The pro-creative powers of the human race were also increased in the same manner as we see among smaller animals, whose lives on the earth are short, that their powers of increase are more abundant than those of slower growth and longer life. Rains and showers are also now first recorded.

Another era of important shortening of human life occurs in the time of the patriarch Abraham, and the last in that of Moses; since which time the human race has continued the same both in stature and duration to the present day. An Egyptian that lived three thousand years ago is not of larger size, nor of greater age than a man of the reign of Queen Victoria; as is evident from the mummies preserved in our Museums.

THE WESLEYAN METHODIST ASSOCIATION, AND THE METHODIST NEW CONNEXION.

TO THE EDITOR,-DEAR SIR,

I shall feel much obliged if you will give insertion to the following remarks, in the Magazine for June. The subject, although somewhat different to the usual nature of the communications you receive, is highly important, and is, I hope admissible in your columns.

Leeds, May, 1844.

M. JOHNSON.

SEVEN years have now past over, since a meeting of friends belonging, respectively, to the "New Connexion," and the "Association," was held in Manchester, to consider how far it was desirable, and practicable, to make arrangements for an amalgamation of those two bodies into one religious community.

It is not my intention to dwell upon the causes which operated to prevent a consummation, which, to many persons in both Societies, appeared so exceedingly desirable; suffice it to say, that the mode of effecting it proposed by the elder branch was, in my opinion, such as could at no period of the existence of the "Association " have been consistent with its numerical strength, its internal resources, or the principles of religious freedom, which from the first have influenced our entire Connexion. That the terms of union stated, on that occasion, on the part of the "New Methodist Connexion," were scarcely sufficiently generous, would, I am persuaded, be now admitted by any member of that Connexion, who has made himself acquainted with all the circumstances of the case: and indeed it is not too much to say, that a dispassionate, and unprejudiced view of the subject from the very commencement, could only have contemplated the possibility of union between two such bodies, on terms which would have involved no serious sacrifice either on the one side or the other.

Time and events however, when well improved, can hardly fail to make us all wiser, and better; and I am inclined to the opinion, that, were the subject of an union between the two Connexions to be again discussed, much less of personal feeling would be permitted to obtrude itself into the consideration; and what was unreasonable either from one quarter or the other would, I trust, as much as possible, be avoided. If ever there were a period when such an union was desirable, I venture to say-looking at the times in which we live, and the circumstances by which we are surrounded--that the present is that period. Union among Christian communities, based upon right principles, is at all times important and desirable; but for an union of the interests of liberalized and enlightened Methodism, a consolidation into one enlarged and vigorous body of congenial elements, which at present are separated and comparatively ineffective-there never existed more numerous, or stronger reasons, than at this moment.

We cannot shut our eyes to the fact, for it is one which experience has taught us, that religious communities suffer in their general interests, and more especially in the loss of members, in proportion to the limited extent of their borders. Nay, I hesitate not to say, that both the New Connexion

and the Wesleyan Methodist Association, owing to the comparative paucity of their circuits, sustain a much greater relative loss from removals to different parts of the kingdom, than is experienced by the Conference Connexion ; the latter having a Society in almost every moderate sized town throughout the country. One thing is therefore evident, that a corresponding degree of ministerial success, in proportion to numbers, which would exhibit the Conference Connexion in a high state of prosperity, might, by severe losses from removals, be scarcely sufficient to preserve either of the other Connexions from decline, and ruin. It is true that an amalgamation of the two bodies would not in this respect, place them upon an equality with the much larger Wesleyan Community, but it could not fail considerably to lessen the amount of loss, from this source. For, on looking at the Minutes of the two Societies, I find that the New Connexion has twenty-three Circuits, including many large populations, and extensive manufacturing Districts, where the Association has no Societies; and that the latter has thirty-six Circuits in England, besides several in Scotland and Wales, in which the former have no interest, covering a large extent of country, and including a vast number of souls. Then each have their separate Mission Stations, in different parts of the world; the new Connexion extending itself through sixteen Circuits in Ireland, and sixteen in Canada; whilst our own body, in addition to a nucleus in Ireland, has its Missions in Hamburg, and the West Indies: the number of members connected with the Association on its Foreign Stations, amounting to about the same as in the foreign Missions under the care of the New Connexion. Now it must be evident, that the strength gained by a consolidation of the two bodies would not be merely in proportion to the increased number of members-although even that would be far from small, or unimportant, amounting as they would then to near fifty-thousand persons-but would be derived also from the increase of Circuits, and a corresponding decrease in the loss by removals.

Besides, there is reason to know that a number of respectable, and influential persons in various parts of the kingdom, who love Methodism in its doctrines, and agency, but who are greatly in advance of the principles of Church Government of the community with which they are connected, have only been retained in their present position by the want of what appeared to them a sufficiently strong, and permanent Connexion, and the formation of Circuits in their respective localities; who in case of such an event, would gladly augment the united numbers. And although I would be one of the last to look to proselytism, on matters of church polity merely, as a desirable source of increase to any religious body, yet if we believe our principles are those most conformable to the Word of God, and desire their extension, it must be a legitimate source of congratulation to find them existing where such opposite views are so strenuously taught. The progress of general events, the dissemination of correct knowledge in relation to church government, and an increased, and increasing liberality of views on the Scriptural rights of the people, all point out the present as a suitable period to accomplish objects of union and co-operation.

There is another view of this subject which in my mind adds considerably to the argument in favor of union. There never was a time during any part of the last two centuries, when the Church of England was so powerful, or wielded such vast resources both of mind and wealth, or perhaps had such a prospect of increase and extension, as at the present moment. With a zeal which emulates the industry of the Roman Catholic priesthood-and with a perseverance which no difficulties can apparently retard; the clergy of the English Episcopacy are employing all the influence and instrumentality which they can bring to bear upon the population of this country, with the view of attaching it to the Established church. Smiles and friendships are offered to the more elevated part of the community-the price of the

tradesman is patronage and custom, while the poor and dependent are plied with even more substantial marks of good-will, in being made the exclusive recipients of donations, left by the charitable of former ages, or bestowed by the contributions of the charitable of the present day. But it is with the younger part of society that the clergy are evidently most anxious to cultivate acquaintance, and afford instruction; calculating most reasonably, that the possession of the juniors of the present day, would be likely to secure, to the Church of England, both the old and young of the next generation.

To the Christian philosopher and philanthropist, there is nothing in contemplating this view of the subject, and in marking the zeal and assiduity of a body of Christian teachers, in their calling, but what is calculated to afford pleasure and satisfaction; were it not, but too well known, that the great body of the clergy of that church are "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men," and leading back the people to the times of darkness and ignorance. They have, in fact, adopted a system subversive of the Christianity of the New Testament-are disseminating dogmas as dangerous as the deadliest errors ever promulgated by the "mother of harlots," and are seeking to bring the entire country under a domination as thoroughly papal in every thing but the name, as though it had come direct from the Vatican.

I have said that the clergy are directing their attention more particularly to the young. It is impossible to look at the voluntary efforts which have been made by members of the Establishment within the last twelve months, and at the large amount of contributions which has been raised for the purpose of affording, by means of the Anglican church, education to the children of the poor, without admiring the munificence of the noble and dignified of the land; as well as the zeal and liberality of the less elevated in society, in promoting this highly important object. But even that which we so much admire in the abstract, proclaims with a voice which is not to be misunderstood, that, unless other religious communities follow, it may be at a humble distance, the example thus so nobly set, their days of prosperity and success are numbered; and that even their very existence will soon have only to be reckoned among the things that have been. The truth is now felt and admitted by all-that churches must in future, seek, much more than they have previously done, for converts and members among the rising generation. These are to be enquired after, taken by the hand and instructed. An agency proportioned to the importance of the subject, and the magnitude of the object, must be established by every section of the church which seeks to retain its present position, and extend its legitimate influence. This is evidently the view which has been adopted by the larger sections of Christians in this country-the Conference Methodists, and the Independents-and sufficiently accounts for the generous and extraordinary efforts made by them for raising adequate means for extending denominational education. And I candidly confess, there never was a moment during the seven years which have passed since the abortive attempts at union between the New Connexion and the Association, when the regret upon my mind was so strong, or the feeling of sorrow so deep, at that failure, as when contemplating it in connection with the all-important subject of education. It was evident to my mind, that neither ourselves, as a body, nor the New Connexion, as far as I had the means of judging, would be able separately to take the position which both would ardently wish to occupy in relation to this interesting question; whether united they would be fully equal to their situation, and the claims which would be consequent, is perhaps matter of doubt; but no one, I presume, will hesitate to believe, that combined, far more might be accomplished, than both are likely to effect in their isolated and separate capacities.

On every ground then, which ought to influence the mind and determine the course of both communities, I beg respectfully to suggest, that the subject of union-on some equitable and satisfactory basis, to be mutually

U

arranged-is worth the serious and immediate consideration of the New Connexion, and the Wesleyan Association. I do not think it too much to assert, that the practicability of this measure has not been sufficiently examined; or investigated with that calmness, and freedom from prejudice, which its vast importance to both Societies demand. At all events, let the insuperable difficulty, the irremoveable bar to union-if such really does exist-be ascertained, and made apparent to all; and when it is so made out, men's minds will then be brought quietly, and resignedly, to acquiesce in the inevitable result of continued, and perpetual separation. My hope, and belief, however is, that if the question be approached on both sides, under a sufficiently impressive belief of its real importance, and a sincere desire be evinced to remove as far as possible, every obstacle to the desired consummation, that no insuperable difficulty does, or can exist, to a mutually beneficial and lasting union, of the two communities.

The New Connexion being about shortly to hold its Annual Conference, I hope I may be allowed to say, that it will, in my opinion, reflect the highest credit upon the Conference, if it should cheerfully, and promptly, take the initiative in this affair, by expressing in general terms its approval of such a measure, and the appointment of a Committee with powers to enter upon the consideration of the question of union.

In conclusion, I think it proper to add, that for what is contained in this communication I alone am responsible. That I have written simply as an individual member of Society, anxiously desirous of promoting the object it advocates; and that I have not conferred with any person whatever, upon the expediency, or otherwise, of discussing this important subject.

M. JOHNSON.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

THE fortieth anniversary of this Society was held in Exeter Hall on the 30th of April. Lord Bexley, President, in the chair.

The Rev. A. Brandram read the report, which gave a statement of the operations of the Society in different parts of the world. The receipts for the past year were subscriptions and donations £46,563, this added to the amount received for sales made the total receipts £98,359. The issues of copies of the Scriptures were for the year 944,031; since the formation of the Society 15,965,025. The meeting was addressed by the Marquis of Cholmondeley; the Earl of Chichester; General Sir C. Bathurst; the Bishops of Cashel and Worcester; the Archdeacon Wilberforce; the Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel; the Revds. Mr. Trefit, of New York; J. Mc Lean, Dr. Morrison; T. Marzials, of Lille, Dr. Wilson and A. Brandram. The meeting we regret to state was not numerously attended.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

This Society held its forty-fourth anniversary on the 1st of May in Exeter Hall. The Right Hon. the Earl of Chichester in the chair. The report was read in portions by the Rev. R. Davies, and the Rev. J. Venn: from which it appeared that during the past year the financial embarrassments of the Society had been removed. That although the Society had not been favoured with any large and striking instance of success, it had not experienced any adverse occurrence or peculiar trial; and that many of the Missions indicated cheering promise of success. The committee also reported, that it had engaged two clergymen, who were about to proceed to China to commence a Mission. The