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What I Heard, Saw, and Did at the Australian Gold Fields. By C. REEDSTON READ, late Crown Land Commissioner, &c. THIS is a kind of "free-and-easy" production, that one may read after dinner, laugh very heartily over some of the scenes, and feel as deeply distressed on perusing others. Persons, who are speculating whether they shall emigrate, will get some good hints from this author, who justly denounces as "the greatest piece of cruelty," the conduct of those who advise "every class of persons to emigrate." He shows that what is wanted at present in Australia is not "talent," but "physical strength;" and that "manual labour is more to be appreciated than intellectual labour."

"Parents and guardians ought well to consider what their sons are capable of doing, before taking them from school or college, if they intend sending them out with only a few pounds in their pockets. It will be all very well if they go to the diggings, and come across such a piece of luck as the clerk from the North Western Railway, and get a hundred weight of gold; but what will be their fate if they have not that luck? Why, their relatives can expect no better tidings than of their working on the roads at ten shillings a day."

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As to young women, whether "distressed needle-women or others, our author observes "that it would be much better for those who are going to turn their attention to a few more useful occupations, besides those of making caps and gaudy dresses. Let them learn how to cook, to make a loaf of bread, or how to be housemaids, &c. Numbers have been sent out who know nothing further than sewing a ribbon on to a cap, or something of that sort, and were perfectly ignorant even of making a bed. Useful, hard-working girls are what the colony requires; there are plenty of bad ones there already."

"Brickmakers, bricklayers, stonemasons, house-carpenters, shepherds, farming-men, and navvies are the men mostly required now, to build houses, make docks, roads, &c." The emigrant should not " forget taking out a tent to live in (or enough calico or duck to make one on the passage out, if they cannot afford to purchase one);" and are earnestly cautioned "not to hamper themselves with chests, boxes, trunks, and portmanteaus, full of all manner of store.' Far better is it to leave your measure at home, and have clothes, &c., sent out after you are settled, or even purchase them in the colony, as the expense of storing is very great, and the chances are, everything will be rotten before being required."

The last engraving-" The Unlucky Dig ger at the End"-is a fearful illustration of

the state of morals that has prevailed where the gold fever has been so raging.

Wesleyan Methodist Penny Magazine, January to November. London: Partridge and Oakey.

WESLEYAN Reformers are generally supposed to represent the bulk of the intelligence of Methodism, and in nothing is the mental calibre of any people more strikingly indicated than in the character of its literature, and the extent to which that literature is patronised. Remembering these facts, and looking at the number of Reformers now in existence, it would seem strange if the PENNY MAGAZINE, as the only official Reform Magazine, and the WESLEY BANNER, as the only unofficial Magazine representing the sentiments of Reformers, did not find an ample field for friendly co-operation. It gratifies us to learn the PENNY MAGAZINE is increasing in circulation, as it deserves to do. The last two Numbers have exhibited a striking accession of vigour in the editorial department, which should commend the Magazine to the increased attention of all intelligent Reformers.

Publications of the Religious Tract Society. WE have before us a batch of the excellent publications of this Society. First come its Almanacs for next year, of which there are four: the Christian Almanac, the Christian Pocket-Book, the Pocket-Book Almanac, and the Sheet Almanac. These are all so well known to take first rank in their respective spheres, that it is unnecessary to do more than notify the fact of their publication. The "Faithful Promiser" is the title of a little gem for the waistcoat pocket, containing a choice selection of Scripture promises. Christian Titles" is a series of devout practical meditations, by the Rev. Dr. Tyng, of New York. They are brief and pointed, and highly calculated to be useful. "Charles Roussel; or, Industry and Honesty," is the title of an interesting narrative, adapted from the French of J. J. Porchat, by the Rev. T. T. Haverfield, B.D. It is like all the juvenile books of the Society, healthy in tone and purpose. "Successful Men of Modern Times," is the last number of the Monthly Series, and is one of the most interesting of that issue. Things with Wings:" the letter-press and the engravings are alike attractive to children. "The Waters of the Earth," is designed to improve the task of the young, and to make science the pleasant handmaid to piety. The illustrations are attractive, and the letter-press will furnish aliment of the best kind to youthful minds.

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Jacob Abbott's Histories. English Series: Alfred the Great. Ancient Series: Pyrrhus. London: N. Cooke (late Ingram and Cooke.)

THE name of Jacob Abbott has long been a household word, both in the Old and New world, and anything from his pen will be hailed by young readers with delight. The series of histories, or rather historical biographies, here projected, promise to yield a rich treat, combining at once solid instruction with attractive amusement. Mr. Abbott possesses the rare faculty of lending all the charins of exciting fiction to the sober narration of simple facts. Parents will also feel satisfaction in placing these works in the hands of their children, in perfect reliance on the author's assurance that the histories are confined, as far as possible, to the statement of unembellished authentic details; and in any case where reference to traditionary information is made, proper cautions to that effect are appended. These English editions are published with the co-operation of the author; the volumes before us are neatly printed and well illustrated, and are in every way calculated to be useful and attractive to the young.

The Wesleyan Almanac, for 1854; compiled for the use of the Wesleyan, and other branches of the Methodist Family. London: W. B. King, 3, Whitefriarsstreet, Fleet-street.

THE Almanacs crowd upon us at this season of the year, and foremost in every respect, the "Wesleyan Almanac" claims our attention: firstly, because it is an old favourite amongst most of our readers; and, secondly, because it deserves to be

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To Wesleyan Reformers it especially commends itself, furnishing them the fullest information in regard to the old body,-as an epitome of Minutes of Conference," and Missionary Statistics, &c.-without doing that violence to their principles which is involved in patronising the "Book-Room;" it also furnishes statistics and general intelligence, in regard to the Reform movement; the Local Preachers' Mutual Aid Association; the New Connexion; Wesleyan Association; Primitive Methodists; &c., &c. In its features, as a compendium of useful general informa tion, it takes rank with the best Almanacs we have seen; containing all that is usually expected in an Almanac, and a great deal not either generally expected or found, yet affording desirable reference on subjects of almost every day interest. In quantity and quality of matter, and in general "getting up," it is equally excellent.

The Creation. London: R. Cocks and Co. Tusisa reprint of a folio edition of Haydn's

unsurpassed Oratorio, edited by Mr. John Bishop, and published by Messrs. Cocks some ten years ago. The work, however, has undergone improvement in some of the poetical passages which called for supervision. The highest possible eulogium on this edition has been furnished by Mr. John Braham, who says, "The arrange ment is the best I have seen. The orchestral points are most accurately taken up, and taken in so clear a light that the musical intellect can fully appreciate all the beauties of the sublime original." We cordially recommend it to the attention of our musical readers.

The Genius and Mission of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the United States of America. By the Rev. CALVIN COLTON, LL.D. With a Preface, by the Rev. PIERCE CONNELLY, M.A. London: J. S. Hodson.

THIS is an interesting work, supplying much information in regard to the American Episcopal church, and suggesting im portant reflections in reference to the destiny of Protestantism and Popery. To all interested in these topics we commend the volume, as ably treating a pregnant subject which has hitherto received but little attention.

The Temperance Movement: its Rise, Progress, and Results. London: W. Tweedie. AN able and telling little pamphlet, narrating, in a very few pages, the history of one of the most important movements which have occurred in ancient or modern times. Whatever may be the opinions of different individuals in regard to the principles of teetotalism, no lover of his kind can have contemplated without interest the grand social revolution which has been the result of the movement. Its history from the beginning is here told, both as regards this country, and in the United States, where it had its origin, and where it has also progressed with the greatest vigour; the sale of intoxicating drinks, being in more than one state entirely prohibited by law. An alliance was recently formed in this country to seek a similar legislative restriction; a consummation we think very unlikely ever to be attained.

Rambles among Mountains. A Book for the Young. London: W. B. King, 3, Whitefriars-street.

Two editions of this delightful little work have already been called for, and a third edition will be issued in the course of a few days. A more desirable Christmas or New Year's present for the young we have not seen. Mr. Langridge possesses the

power of presenting important instruction
in the most attractive guise. His work
must therefore secure the attention and at
the same time improve the minds of his
young readers.

Sunday Reading for Christian Families and
Individuals. London R. Needham,

Ave Maria-lane.

THIS is a handsome volume, in which is brought to á conclusion a work of which we spoke very highly on its first issue in numbers. In its complete form, it is one of the most desirable additions to the library of a Christian family that we have met with. We cordially wish it a place in every home.

Intelligence.

THE Third Triennial Conference of the Anti-State Church Association was held on the 3rd and 4th ult.

The Report of the Executive Committee stated that they had issued eleven volumes of the "Library for the Times," of which more than 20,000 copies had been sold. They had dispatched their agent, Mr. Kingsley, to the manufacturing districts, for the purpose of organizing the Society's friends, by private, rather than by public efforts. At Manchester a highly influential local committee had been formed, and a plan of operations agreed upon, having the hearty approval of those whose co-operation will be most conducive to its success. Steps had also been taken for a similar movement in other important towns in Lancashire and Yorkshire; and Mr. Kingsley had been appointed secretary for the two counties. The committee considered that it would now be desirable to concentrate effort on the most influential and productive districts, and to frame such schemes of local action as will enlist the energies of those who can most aid the movement in their several neighbourhoods.

The Association had taken action in respect to Parliamentary matters on several occasions, and not without success. The Regium Donum had been extinguished, the Clergy Reserves Bill carried, the Anti-Maynooth debate turned to good account, Church-rates vigorously assailed, one Burials' Bill defeated, and another modified, and the Edinburgh Annuity Tax, and Ministers' Money Bills dropped.

The Report concluded with the expres sion of a deep conviction of the importance and duty of seizing upon present opportu nities for the successful prosecution of the Society's enterprise, and of endeavouring to combine with an unshaken devotion to. principles such a generous forbearance and a spirit of conciliation, as would not render unnecessarily irritating the utterance of what, in many cases, must be unpalatable truths.

The Treasurer's account showed that 2,3177. had been received in the shape of subscriptions to the General, and Donations to the Society's Publishing Fund,

during the past year. It was subsequently resolved to raise the income to 5,000l. for three years.

The revised constitution of the Association, as submitted by the Committee, led to an animated and ably conducted debate, resulting in a resolution to change the Society's name, which had been found to occasion misapprehension and provoke unnecessary antagonism, and the adoption of the suggestion of Mr. Baines, of Leeds, that it should in future be called, "The Society for the Liberation of Religion from State Patronage and Control." Instead of altering the fundamental principle, itwas resolved to dispense with what could hardly be otherwise than an occasion of diversity of sentiment; while, at the same time, the objects contemplated by the Society were put in a more specific and practical form.

A paper was read by Mr. Miall, M.P., on the Prospects and Duties of the Society in Relation to the House of Commons, and to its Constituent Bodies." It elaborately analysed the ecclesiastical position of parties in the House of Commons, and described the effect produced on them by recent events. The expectations of the writer were very sanguine in relation to the change of opinion now going on in political circles, and earnestly counselled vigorous and systematic efforts to take advantage of present opportunities. He proposed that two small committees should be formed-one for the supervision of Parliamentary business, and the other for influencing elections. They should be distinct from the Association, but act in harmony with it.

Resolutions respecting church-rates, persecution on the continent, and other topics were spoken to, and the officers, committee, and a council of 300 elected.

A writer in the Nonconformist, sketching the proceedings of the Conference, says: "It has been our privilege to be present at almost every Conference held of late years for the promotion of philanthropic objects; but we have attended none which has manifested a deeper spirit of earnestness, a readier disposition to sink minor differ. ences for the advancement of a great object, and a higher average of business talent."

Poetry.

THE AGED DISCIPLE COMFORTING.

FEAR not, my soul, these terrors are from God;

Has thou not heard how, when Elijah

stood

On Horeb, waiting while the Lord passed by, Before the still, small voice, there came a blast

That rent those ancient mountains? after the wind

An earthquake, after that again a fire?
Aye, when Christ visits first a sinful heart,
The devils that abide there shakewith fear;
Who can abide his coming?

I remember

(How could I not?) that, in his days of flesh, We even we, who called ourselves his friends,

As little knew him as dost thou to-day.

In a dark night we sail'd upon the lake, Alone, not knowing where our master was. The night was dark, and dark our lonely hearts,

A moon there was, but low, and blurr'd with clouds;

Only upon the horizon lay a line,

A level line of light, which, near and far, Mark'd the black outline of the eastern hills.

Stern was our toil, with ev'ry art we had, To speed our vessel; for the breeze had sunk,

Or only came by snatches-fell the rainThen flash'd the incessant lightnings, then the hills

Rang, roared, as though the thunder shatter'd them;

Then surged the waves against the opposite wind,

Rattled our useless cordage, rent our sail, Rent, flapping in the tempest, and his might Seized on our boat, and drove it at his will.

No man was free from fear: we knew too well

Those treacherous waves; and he, whose master voice

Had lain them cowering at his feet, like dogs, Where was He now ?-In some lone mountain wood

He communed with his Father and the angels,

And knew not that we perish'd there alone.
Alas! far otherwise when in the stern
He slept, amid the hubbub of the storm,
As if on priceless couches, in the pomp
Of Herod's palace; now He was afar,
Each of us felt the terror of the night,
And each one acted as his nature was.

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THE WESLEY BANNER,

AND

Christian Family Visitor,

FOR THE YEAR 1854.

NEW SERIES.-VOL. II.

LONDON:

WILLIAM BOUGHTON KING, 3, WHITEFRIARS-STREET,

FLEET-STREET.

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