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believe that this "Mystery" was an utter fiction. Attestations from men of such high character and position as Sir William Crampton, Dr. Croker, of Dublin, the Rev. Gibson Black, rector of Turle, Mr. Kemmies, governor of the Mendicity Institution. Dr. Tighe, Dean of Leighton, the Rev. W. S. Guinness, Rathdrum, Colonel Knox Gore, of Belleek Manor, disarm suspicion itself, and force the reader to give credit to the assertion of the preface, that "the narrative is literally and strictly true in every particular, and the real names of persons and places are given in every instance, with the exception of Miss Hartley and Lucy, who wish to avoid the publicity that the knowledge of their names and residence would necessarily occasion." As a further evidence of the truthfulness of the work, the volume is dedicated, "with her ladyship's kind permission," to the Countess of Clarendon, who appears to have interested herself in the case while resident in Ireland.

This work is another confirmation of the maxim, that "truth is more strange than fiction." A lady, whose name is concealed, for sufficient reasons, under that of Miss Hartley, and stated by the fair editor of the book as a woman of "the strictest integrity, of high moral and Christian principle, and also distinguished by tenderness and benevolence of feeling," enters, in one of her walks of charity, in December, 1836, into the Dublin Mendicity Institution. Her attention is attracted by the appearance of an infant of not more than four or five years of age, whose general appearance, though almost destitute of clothing, indicates that her origin is very superior to her present forlorn and destitute condition, and who had but a few days before been brought to the Institution by a girl, who called herself her sister, but who in no respect resembled the infant, and who never after troubled herself about the child. Miss Hartley, in a spirit of kindness, which many will admire, but which probably few will emulate, took the forlorn and helpless infant home, nourished the forsaken lamb in her own bosom, and educated her with all the fidelity and affection of a mother. It is but right to add, that as Lucy grew up, she acknowledged and returned this kindness with the purest and most ardent filial love. The child could recollect but little connectedly of her history; but some events, most tragic and romantic in their nature, had left an indelible impression on her infant mind. Some of them are so terrific, that had not the child naturally possessed much strength and fortitude of mind, her rational faculties must have been overpowered by the scenes which she witnessed, and the sufferings of

which-infant as she was-she was the heroic victim.

Her earliest recollections find her resident in the cottage of one Nicholas Murphy, "in the midst of corn-fields and blue mountains;" but how she came under his care, or where he resided, is all impenetrable mystery, though "her partiallyremembered home was somehow associated in her mind with a large house visible at some distance across the fields." While here she accidentally beheld the murder of a lady, who, it is surmised, was Lucy's own mother. The murderer's name was Thady, whom Lucy never saw again but once, several years after, and who had slipped out of sight before measures could be taken to secure him. Soon after the murder, "the house across the fields" is burnt to the ground, and the child, weeping as she sees the ruin of "her pictured home," is solaced by Mrs. Keegan, the only neighbour to Murphy. At some distance from Murphy's cottage was a substantial farm-house, with a black hall-door and several windows, where his daughter Kitty resided. To this house Lucy was taken; and while Kitty and she were gathering blackberries in the fields, the child saw, without understanding what the procession meant, a hearse followed by mourning coaches. Kitty kept the child in the fields till evening. The next morning Murphy, who never treated the child unkindly, took her to what appears to have been a gentleman's seat. A maid took Lucy into a room, where she saw "a long box covered with very black cloth," probably a coffiu, overspread with a velvet pall. Lucy is now carried into another room to a "lady, young, slightly formed, of small stature, dressed in mourn. ing, and appearing very sad." This lady carries Lucy in her arms, places her in a four-post bed, and remains with her, where the child is "carefully and fondly tended under the watchful care of (these) newfound friends." The "little one" tarries in this place of love and death but a little while. She is again given at the hall-door to Murphy, who is waiting with his humble vehicle, a farmer's cart, to receive her. He brings the friendless and infant wanderer to Dublin, and leaves her in the charge of a vile hag-a female monster of the name of Kelly, who, after most brutal treatment, instructs her daughter Biddy to go with the infant to the Mendicity Institution, and to represent themselves as orphan sisters. In this character they are received; and in a day or two Biddy clandestinely leaves, taking with her some property belonging to the Institution. Years pass before she is ever seen again.

The motive for the publication of this mysterious history is a hope that hereby her

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relatives may be led to discover where she is, and that she may be restored to them, and to the property which it is very naturally presumed, belongs to her. aid in the discovery two coloured portraits of her are given, one as she appeared "when first discovered," the other "just taken from life." Though there are several seeming improbabilities in the tale, yet the respectable authorities that vouch for many of the facts, and for Miss Hartley's unimpeachable integrity, compel us to admit the truth of this "mystery of our own day." We hope events will make us acquainted with the

"Last scene of all,

That ends this strange, eventful history." May He, whose providence ruleth over all, make its publication the means of restoring the hitherto "Unclaimed Daughter" to the bosom of her family, and thus give Lucy the opportunity of acknowledging-for she never can repay-the debt of obligation that she owes to the generous and disinterested Miss Hartley, who has been, in the highest sense, a mother to the abandoned outcast!

Mr. G. J Holyoake Refuted in his own Words. By SANDERS J. CHEW. Nos. I. to V. London: Houlston and Stone

man.

MR. HOLYOAKE, it may be known to our readers, is the recognised champion of atheistic Secularism, and has been for many years engaged as a professional propagandist of atheistic sentiments; he is therefore naturally to be regarded as an accomplished expounder of the views of those of whom he is the representative. His writings are an apt illustration of the impossibility of forming a coherent system of error. Not simply is error ever inconsistent with known truth, but it is inconsistent with itself, and is certain, eventually, to fall to pieces from its own want of cohesion. Mr. Chew, in a cheap series of tracts, is doing good service to the cause of truth, by pointing out the flaws and discrepancies in the published statements of the secular philosopher. Borrowing the idea from Mr. Holyoake, who some years ago published a plausible, but fallacious and inconclusive, pamphlet, entitled, "Paley Refuted in his own Words," Mr. Chew, after the same fashion, lays bare the manifold inconsist encies in that gentleman's views. As Mr. Holyoake himself would state it, he is out of simple fairness permitted to state his own case, and out of sheer politeness made to refute his own words. By this simple process, and by the aid of very plain logic, he is made to present a most Protean cha

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racter,- everything by turns, and nothing long." Indeed, it becomes a very questionable matter, after reading these various passages, culled with manifest fairness and without distorting them from the context, whether Mr. Holyoake himself really knows what are his views on a subject, for blasphemous teaching in regard to which, he became some years ago the inmate of a gaol! We speak without the slightest rancour in regard to Mr. Holyoake, and without any sympathy with the laws which imposed a penalty on the publication of opinions; but we cannot help saying, that the kind of sincerity which would lead a man to subject himself to a gaol, for teaching views in regard to which he is so uncertain and contradictory in his writings, is to us altogether inexplicable. We sympathise deeply and mournfully with the honest doubter or sceptic; and we therefore cordially recommend these tracts as the work of a skilful and fair dialectician, well calculated to unravel and expose the fallacies of a sophist so accomplished and plausible as Mr. Holyoake.

Lives of the Illustrious. Vols. I. and II. London: Partridge and Oakey.

THESE are the two first completed volumes of one of the best serials of the day,-the Biographical Magazine. The idea of writing the lives of the great ones of the earth, those who have rendered their names illustrious by their achievements amongst mankind, in a form so compendious as bring them within, at most, a few hours reading, yet not so brief as to be imperfect in their general truthfulness and effect, and written withal in a style so graphic as to secure extensive perusal, was, we think, a very happy one. The Biographical Dictionary, however useful as a work of reference, is manifestly too brief to afford more than the merest outline of even the most illustrious characters, whilst the separate lives of all whose names are worth remembering, and whose histories are pregnant with instruction, are completely beyond the reach of the mass of readers, could they even find time to peruse them. A work like the present, therefore, supplies an oft felt desideratum, and fills an important niche in our literature. Biography is, of every class of literature, at once the most charming and useful. It is impossible to read without intense interest and much profit of the trials and difficulties, the sorrows and aspirations, hopes and successes, of great men ; watch the processes of mental development, and see how, out of struggles with overwhelming difficulties, the soul of ster

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ling stamp emerges with fresh courage, with resolve and perseverance more untiring and indomitable. We see that un. dying laurels are never worn unless truly won; and it is impossible to engage in the study without feeling a kindling enthusiasm, which has a most healthy and genial influence on the character. The sketches here given are elaborate and life-like, and include some of the greatest names of the past and modern times. The volumes are handsomely printed in octavo, and the binding is tasteful and appropriate.

The People's Service of Song: A Tune-book for the Pew. Pianoforte and Full Score Edition; the Harmonies revised by GEORGE HOGARTH, Esq. Edited by JOHN CURWEN. London: Ward and Co.

THE name of Mr. Curwen is well known in connection with efforts for the improvement of congregational psalmody. In the work before us, he has endeavoured to obviate many of the difficulties which stand in the way of such improvement by the compilation of such a selection of tunes for congregational use as not only present no insuperable difficulties to the novice, but by being within the compass of most voices, by their familiarity to most Christians, and by the simplicity of the "harmonies and general suitability, will be likely to materially aid in bringing about a reformation in regard to this matter. The tunes are classified, not simply according to their respective metres, but also to the sentiments by which they are characterised, and the hymns for which they are especially adapted are marked. With each tune, four lines of a hymn are printed, so as to give the advantages of a hymn-book as well as a tune-book for family use; and these lines are so printed as to call attention to the musical expression desirable. In addition to the psalm tunes, a few suitable anthems are given, making in all upwards of two hundred tunes well and carefully printed in quarto. An immense amount of information in regard to congregational singing is found in the introductory pages. Altoge ther, it is a most desirable book for all interested in the improvement of our psalmody.

The Young Wife's Guide during Pregnancy and Childbirth, and in the Management of her Infant. By HENRY DAVIES, M.D., F.R.C.S., Consulting Physician to the British Lying-in Hospital. London: H. G. Bohn.

THE health and vigour of our population

depend upon a variety of causes: diet, air. water, ventilation, clothing, employment, cheerfulness of mind,-all contribute their share of sanitary influence; but the being on whom these agents are to exercise their varied power for evil or for good, obtains the vigour with which he is to resist the evil, or the debility which makes him a victim to it, by an antecedent series of events. No one can tell how much a strong man is indebted for his strength, and a fair woman for her beauty, and a cheerful mind for its happiness, to the mother who has borne and nursed, and nourished them in the helpless age of infancy. Regarded in this light, a book which tends by the soundness of its advice and the clearness of its language to make a mother physically what she ought to be, is a boon not only to the mother herself, but to the nation at large. Such a work coming from the highest medical authority, and published at a price which makes it accessible to the industrial classes, is one of the greatest blessings of cheap literature. We cordially commend it to our female friends. Its language is intelligible, and the style refined and parental.

Freedom National; Slavery Sectional: the Speech of the Hon. Charles Sumner, of Massachusetts, on his motion to Repeal the Fugitive Slave Bill, in the Senate of the United States, August 26th, 1852. Edinburgh Johnstone and Hunter.

WE are glad, for the sake of the United States, that this Speech has been reprinted on this side of the Atlantic. It is a source of unmingled satisfaction to learn that there are men in their senate ready to utter a protest so manly and eloquent against the legislative recognition and sanction of the huge evil of slavery. Reviewing the history of the Union in regard to the subject, he shows that slavery is not only not a recognised item of their Constitution, but that it is a direct violation of some of its leading principles; and that almost all the names of which the Union may well be proud as being great, good, and noble, have recorded their convictions against the system. We are glad to notice that he refers in passing, to a time when the Methodist churches of America were free from this foul taint, and speaks of the "burning tract" of John Wesley on this vile system, which was circulated some three quarters of a century ago in America. This Speech is one of the most brilliant efforts of oratory, as well as one of the most noble and eloquent denunciations ever thundered forth against a bad cause. It is worthy of universal perusal.

Lays of the Future. By WILLIAM LEASK. London Partridge and Oakey.

MR. LEASK, whose name is already favourably identified with the Christian literature of the day, has here produced a volume which will receive a glad welcome wherever it comes. With a theme so inspiring, and the undoubted possession of the art and faculty divine, it was scarcely possible to produce anything feeble or uninteresting. The Lays before us are characterised, not only by poetry of a very high order, but also with what is more rarely met with in connection with the loftiest flights of the muse,-conformity to evangelical truth. Cheering in the highest degree are the author's views of the good time coming, and pre-eminently calculated to raise the feelings of the gloomy and despondent Christian. We are glad that Mr. Leask so exalts his muse, and puts her to such noble purpose. Better by a thousand times than growing lachrymose over imaginary wrongs and sentimental sorrows, as a feebler class of rhymesters have oft of late displayed such a tendency to do. This volume will cheer, refine, and elevate the spirits of all who can appreciate Christian poetry. The getting-up is exceedingly tasteful and elegant.

The Bible Story Book; First and Second Series. By the Rev. B. H. DRAPER. Thirteenth Edition. London: Ward and Co.

DRAPER'S Bible Story Book has been so long a popular favourite in juvenile literature, that any recommendatory notice would be superfluous. The mode in which scriptural subjects are placed before the young reader, in the garb of attractive narrative, suited to the comprehension of the young, has obtained for them many thousands of readers, and as many admirers. It is simply necessary to say, therefore, that this is a new and beautiful edition, in which the first and second series are comprised in one volume. There are also some excellent illustrations. The fact that these stories have reached thirteen editions is the best guarantee of their worth.

Wellington and Uncle Tom; or, The Hero of this World contrasted with the Hero in Jesus Christ. London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co.

ON the supposition that if Uncle Tom is not a real character, he is at least a representative man, the author of this little tractate proceeds to show how inferior, when regarded in the light of eternity, was the glory of the military chieftain, to that of the suffering yet victorious Christian. Few Christians will feel inclined to question

that, if he that ruleth his spirit is greater than he that buildeth a city, he must be greater still than he whose victories aro associated with the destruction of cities and men.

Sunday Reading for Christian Families. Conducted by JOHN KITTO. No. I. London Needham, Amen-corner. THIS is a new weekly Magazine, after the style and size of "Household Words." From the name of the Editor, and the quality of the articles in the first Number, we are inclined to predict that it will become a favourite with the Christian public. It occupies new and untrodden ground, and will, we trust, be useful and popular.

The Lentiad; or, Peter the Pope, and his Pioneers, the Puseymen, pommelled and pounded with a Hudibrastic Cudgel. By A BEEFEATER. London: Theobald, Paternoster-row.

A TALE in rhyme, in which the somewhat whimsical conception of a monster meeting of fishes, during the Lent fast of the Romanists, is made to furnish occasion for a vigorous attack on the absurdities of Popery. The author has considerable rhyming facility, which he uses after the fashion of the redoubtable Hudibras, although we can scarcely say with the same pungency and point.

The Realities of Eternity. A Sermon, preached in Garden-street Chapel, Sheffield, on Sunday, February 20th, 1853. To which are added, Memorials of the Rev. Thomas Smith, A.M. By the Rev. SAMUEL DUNN. London: John Snow. THIS last published production of the late Editor of the WESLEYAN BANNER, Will, no doubt, be welcomed by many. It was preached as a funeral sermon for the late pastor of the church at Garden-street, and is a specimen of Mr. Dunn's best style.

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Correspondence.

To the Editor of the WESLEY BANNER AND CHRISTIAN FAMILY VISITOR.

SIR,-In the last Number of the BANNER you have favoured your readers with a review of "Gilfillan's Martyrs, &c., of the Scottish Covenant." As a sample of the work, you have presented one or two cases of terrible suffering, inflicted at the hands of duly constituted authority. These scenes are all the more affecting, impressive, and suggestive, from the recent exposures of similar inflictions by the "Grand Duke of Tuscany." To the peculiar incidents and atrocities of these cases, I have now no desire to re-attract attention. My aim is to direct the attention of yourself and readers (professed Reformers) to what I believe to be the true and only source of all such abominations; and then, according to the adage, that "a knowledge of disease is half the cure," we may rationally hope to arrive at some conclusion that shall point out the remedy. And now, Sir, looking at the nature, history, and circumstances of this kind of persecution, can anything be more obvious than that it is exclusively referrible to the mischievous principle of State-Churchism? Let it not be overlooked that the cruelties and oppressions complained of are inflicted by the civil powers; that the various instruments employed belong, not to the Church, nor to individuals, but to the civil and political commonwealth: and that these instruments are the same that are employed for punishing offenders against the civil laws; to whom belong the prison, the public prosecutor, the judge, the court, the jury, and the executioner,- all of which are put into requisition in the case of a dissentient from their mode of worship,but to the political estate? Was it for such a purpose that a prison was erected and a court of justice established, and officers and executioners appointed? What ! To punish men and women for being religious, according to their conscientious interpretation of God's word? We know better. The law is made for trangressors; -for thieves, and the unruly members of civil society. Is it not clear, then, that were it not for the unnatural alliance between the Church and the State, these prosecutions, persecutions, and cruelties, could not exist? What a misconception of the facts of the case is it to refer these inflictions to the personal disposition or malice of the authorities, who carry out the law. The Grand Duke of Tuscany is but fulfilling the mission with which a false system of law has entrusted him. There are no reasons to suppose that he has any personal spite against the unfortunate Madiai. He, I dare say, thinks according to the notions in which he has been trained, that

he is doing God service, and acting for the best interests of the Church. A political officer, required by law to protect the interests of the Church, by coercing, restraining, and punishing in a felon prison all and every who shall dare to question the exclusive correctness, or dispute the claims of a portion of their fellow subjects, who have managed to get their religion so patronized and made supreme! Monstrous! Herein consists the mischief; and at this very point we discover the remedy,-a remedy at once obvious, safe, and efficacious. Let the officers of State hereafter be instructed, that to superintend the affairs of religion is no part of their business; that the only duty in relation to religion, within the province he fills, is to see that none are injured on account of their religious convictions, or molested in the peaceable and reasonable exercise of their religious privileges and duties; and that if a court of justice or a prison be employed in reference to religion at all, it shall be only to punish those who will not allow their neighbours the exercise of their equal rights, and who seek, by persecution and injustice, to obtain an unfair advantage for their own section of the Church. Until this be done, the historian must continue to chronicle the deeds which, perpetrated in the name of religion, make religion a bye-word and a scorn.

If these observations are correct, then it is clear that the present modes of treating these monstrosities and cruelties are sadly ill-proportioned and vainly directed. Platform denunciations resolving themselves, as they always do, into mere "No-Popery" cries, will not remove the evil. Appeals to the merciful considerations of the persecutors are only laughed at. Diplomatic arrangements and compromises to abate the evils in question, or to suspend for a season their development, never did, and never can, effect a cure, or ensure a reliable safeguard. Go to the root of the evil. Dig up the foundation upon which it rests. "Remove the cause, and the effects will cease. Separate Church from State.

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As Wesleyan Reformers called to suffer for our convictions, let us be thankful those sufferings have not been augmented by the infliction of a State prosecution and imprisonment. There is significance and point in the question with which you have concluded your Monthly Review of the Reform movement, in the last Number of the WESLEY BANNER-" What would have been the result if Charles Prest had been the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and Mr. Lord his subject ?" CHARLES HIGGS. Gloucester Circuit, Feb. 6, 1853. *This was sent for insertion in our Number for March.-ED.

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