Education.-The Chevalier Abrahamson, Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty the King of Denmark, zealously seconds the benevolent views of this monarch in extending elementary instruction at Paris, in regard to his unwearied and philanthropic efforts.

Denmark Press.-There issue from the presses of Denmark about thirty works every month during the season, comprising Theology, Medicine, Botany, History, Antiquities, Poetry, Commerce, and various other subjects; they also include translations from the ancient and modern languages. Among the latest of these are Danish versions of "Waverly,"

"St. Ronan's Well," and "Old Mortality;" Cooper's "Last of the Mohecans," and Lord Byron's

"Heaven and Earth."

FRANCE.

Agricultural Schools. The celebrated M. de Pradt is engaged in forming an experimental farm as a School of practical Husbandry for a part of central France. It is situated about a league from Allanches, on the great road from that city to Bort, in the department of Corrèze.

Interior of Africa.-At the last sitting of the Geographical Society at Paris, M. Pacho read a discourse relative to the project of M. Drovetti, Consul-General of France, for the civilization of the interior of Africa, This plan consists in bringing from Egypt a number of young Africans, and educating them in the principles of an improved state of society. M. Drovetti announces that he will chearfully bear the first expense of such a philanthropic enterprize, from which the sciences, as well as humanity may derive the most important advantages. "These young Africans," says M. Pacho, " on their return to their native country, will propagate their new ideas. These ideas, like the fléche messagére, will pass from tribe to tribe, from oasis to oasis; reflection will be induced, knowledge will spread, and a few children may effect what a course of centuries has failed to accomplish."

GERMANY.

Hindoo Literature.-Professor Kosegarten has inserted in volume 28 of the

VOL. VI.

Hermes, a very interesting and well written article on the study of the languages, &c. of India in Germany. He shews the amount of Hindoo literature in Germany, and endeavours calmly and dispassionately to refute the accusations made by Voss, in his Anti-Symbolik, against the Hindoo Mythology. That he has violated his own canons of criticism, in availing himself of the testimony of two writers whom Professor Kosegarten regards as exceedingly incorrect and fallacious, namely, Polier and Ward. Other proofs are brought forward to shew the light that may be thrown on Greek and Roman writers from Hindoo sources; and more particularly of the Etymological connexion between the languages of India, Greece, and Rome, as well as those of Slavonic origin.

For many years past the Germans have applied themselves with their usual energy to the study of the language and antiquities of the ancient Hindoos. The recent work of M. Rhode, Ueber die religiose Bildung, Mythologie, and Philosophie der Hindus (on the religious system, Mythology and Philosophy of the Hindoos) deserves to rank with the best works of this class. It is divided into two parts-the first part is in four sections, which treat, 1.) of the original sources. 2.) Of the most ancient history of the Hindoos and neighbouring states. 3.) Of the doctrine of Buddha, so far us it is necessary to explain the religion and mythology of the Hindoos. 4.) The revelations of Ekhummascha, according to the Sastra of Bramah. The second part has three sections, treating, 1.) of the doctrine of Veda, viewed mythologically and philosophically. 2.) Of the popular religion. 3.) On the religious and civil institutions-on the Brahmins and Kschatras, or warriors. The waisyas, or working classes. The government. The sacerdotal aristocracy. The monarchy. The laws relative to marriage and inheritance. On politics, war, and the right of conquest. General view of the Hindoos, A useful table concludes the work.

ITALY.

Periodical Journals.-Two journals are published in Florence, the Antologia, a monthly literary and scientific journal, perhaps the best in Italy, distinguished by a sound spirit of free discussion; and a new journal of agriculture, which reckoned, on the appearance of a second number, more than 600 subscribers in Tuscany alone. A fact not only highly

honourable to the country at large.

2

R

editors, but also to the The printing presses

of Florence have been doubled within the last six years.

Schools of Mutual Instruction.- Of all the Italians, the Tuscans have shewn the greatest zeal for the progress of the system of mutual instruction. The Marquess Charles Pucci, the superintendent of various Schools in the Tuscan dominions, in a report drawn up relative to their present state, has shewn, that without departing from the spirit of the system, several ameliorations and reforms have been beneficially introduced. The Hamiltonian system has been adopted in reading exercises. M. Bracciolini, a gentleman eminent for his knowledge and activity, intends giving a statistical view of the progress of the Schools from the period of their foundation to the present day. Since May 1819, that is in the short space of eight years, 2124 individuals, the greater part belonging to the most indigent classes of society, have received elementary instruction in the city of Florence alone. Why do not the other cities and provinces of Italy imitate so noble an example?

THE NETHERLANDS. The Dutch Society of Arts and Sciences has proposed the following question to be answered by the 1st of 1829"What are the advantages accruing to the prosperity, the civilization and morals of a people, from the preservation of their own language; and what disadvantages may he expected from the entire or partial neglect of their mother tongue ?"

The following is a summary of the number of works, as well original as translated, published in different languages in the kingdom of the Netherlands during the last year, exclusive of periodical journals, newspapers, &c. and reprints of works published in foreign countries:

.

arts and literature. A Jewish gazette has been published for some time at Warsaw. A Polish grammar of the popular Jewish language has also been printed there. This language is a mixture of Polish, German, and Hebrew words. The author is M. Lessebroth. Another Jewish writer, M. Tougenhold, is engaged in the composition of a Polish and Jewish Dictionary, to be followed by the elements of the Polish Grammar.

SWEDEN AND NORWAY.

Schools of Mutual Instruction.-The system of mutual instruction has made great progress in Sweden within these few years. There are Schools on this plan in many towns and villages, which are extremely well attended. The Society for the promotion of this system at Stockholm, has resolved to establish a Normal School, and to connect with it Schools of industry. His Majesty granted 2000 dollars for the purpose, and promised to assign a fund for the salaries of the masters.

SWITZERLAND.

Jubilee of the Reformation.- At Bern, authors, artists, and printers have been for some months busily engaged upon works intended to celebrate the Jubilee of the Reformation, about the middle of the year 1828. Of these works we shall only mention that of Mr. Samuel Fisher-"The history of the Deputation and Reformation at Bern," with a collection of lithographic portraits of the Reformers of Germany and Switzerland, designed after the best originals by Ostervald. The first number contains the portraits of Luther, Zuingle, Calvin, Melancthon, Haller, and Wyttenbach.

Liberty of the Press. The liberty of the press in Switzerland is much curtailed by the influence of certain great powers in the neighbourhood that find it inconvenient to have an example of much freedom of discussion near them. It would be rather a dangerous experiment to speak evil of the Jesuits in the canton of Fribourg, (which may be termed the Spain of Switzerland,) in the Valais, or even in the smaller cantons.

selves and their children unspeakable benefits. In a few days after we commenced School with ninety-two children. With respect to the Sunday School, it gives me pleasure to report on it-before I had time to look around me for children, about a score called upon me begging to be taught: and on the 8th of September we commenced our Sunday School with twenty-nine scholars, since that time (to the last statement received) their number has increased to one hundred and ninety-seven."

In a letter dated September, 1827, the Master of the above School relates the following affecting incident:Monday. I was this day informed of the decease of Fanny Walters, aged 11 years. I felt much surprised to hear of her being so soon removed, but more regret that I had not an opportunity of seeing her.

On enquiry I learnt there was much hope in her death. In the former part of her illness she expressed much sorrow for her sins, and frequently appealed to the searcher of hearts, in the language of one of the hymns she had learned out of the Sunday Scholar's Companion, A sinner, Lord, behold I stand,' &c. But before her removal she was enabled to look to Jesus as her Saviour, and talked of the events of death with pleasure, so much so, as led Mary her sister (who is still with us) to say to me on enquiry, Oh, Sir, she seemed quite proud to die.' The peace of mind she enjoyed, the affectionate, the pointed admonitions she gave to each of a large family, the resignation under her acute suffering, and her firm faith in the sufficiency of the Redeemer, shewed that a divine change had been wrought upon her heart. She was one of our first scholars, and previous to her indisposition very regular in her attendance.

She was

naturally vain and giddy, yet appeared at times to be much impressed with Catechetical instruction; and during the time of reading the Scripture stories on a Sunday evening, would attend to them with much apparent interest and delight; but I think nothing decided took place until her illness. The name of the Lord be magnified for this earnest of his love." From the Master of the School in Petty Harbour. "Commenced the important and ar

duous employment for which the Lord has sent me here with twenty-seven children-only three of them knew the alphabet, and not one could write their name. It is plain this ignorance arises entirely from the want of the means of instruction, for I am astonished at the eagerness of the children to learn. The poor people here are in a most pitiable condition. I have not met with any who appear to have the least fear of God before their eyes." In a subsequent letter the master writes as follows:-"I wish I could record something more of a spiritual progress; and yet we are not without encouragement; there is not so much swearing or pilfering as formerly, vices very common among the young of this Harbour. The children love their School, and are always waiting to be admitted long before the usual time, and appear when I am reading the word of truth, or speaking to them of it, as if they were impressed with its importance. Last

Sunday I called for answers to a question, (which, according to custom, had been put up the Sabbath previous in the school-room,)—it was the Scripture characters of Christ; one girl brought 68 good answers, and another 54: a pleasing proof that diligent search had been made."

From the Master of the School in Bonavista.

"I do not feel a doubt respecting the prosperity of our schools in this place, for I think we shall have more than wo can receive in the rooms we now occupy; the only obstacle will be the want of clothing, particularly shoes,--for without them it is impossible to venture out in the winter." In a subsequent letter the master writes-"I am thankful to say our schools go on very prosperously; we have admitted 102 scholars, and are receiving more applications, which we cannot comply with, our rooms being very small, and the number we have are niore than we can conveniently accommodate.". "We find the children generally very ignorant and uncultivated, and but few who appear to have the least sense of the evil of sin; many do not know that it is sinful to swear or tell lies- the latter of which is practised to an awful extent.

REFORMATION SOCIETY. Omagh A Meeting of this Society was held at Omagh, on Tuesday, March 5th, and following days. We extract the following account of the proceedings from the letter of a correspondent :

Omagh, March 7, 1828.

"The meeting on Wednesday was, if possible, more closely packed than on the preceding day; and the Priests avowed their determination to discuss with us every article of Pope Pius's Creed, seriatum, if it should occupy a month. This determination on the part of the Priests appeared to be kept up until the last speech on our side, which produced such an effect as led them to abandon their purpose, and in evident confusion Mr. M'Caffrey, Priest of this town, declared for himself and coadjutor, that they would not again appear in the field. This declaration coupled with their manifest confusion for the preceding three quarters of an hour, was such a palpable acknowledgement of defeat, as really astonished both Protestants and Roman Catholics; bnt while all were in amazement, the senior Priest waving his hat in pretended triumph, prompted a half stifled cheer from the multitude, and the meeting broke up.From their unequivocal acknowledgment of defeat, exposed as it was in the presence of at least a thousand of their own people, we felt convinced that they must, as a choice of evils, return to the conflict, and the prediction proved correct. I should observe, that the High Sheriff in the chair intimated that the meeting would re-assemble on Thursday, and we had scarcely reached the platform, when our opponents followed us, and silently resumed their former seats. This we afterwards understood to have been the consequence of a strong remonstrance on the part of the people. The meeting at an early hour was filled by an organized mob, to the almost entire exclusion of Protestants. The plan evidently was to carry a resolution of opposition to the principles of the society before discussion commenced, and it was actually proposed and seconded by the two senior priests; but such was their irresolution and confusion, that they suffered us to insist on proceeding, and two speeches were made on each side, when it came to the turn of the person who had spoken last on the preceding day. Interruption had been frequently given to the two preceeding Protestant speakers; but now it became

actually deafening, and it was manifest that a pre-concerted plan of clamour, governed and prompted by regular leaders, acting by signs from the young Priest, had been prepared to put down this speaker. Having, however, the advantage of powerful lungs, he spoke for the time allowed (three quarters of an hour); and the priests again attempt ing to pass their Resolution of opposito the Society, it was resisted by the Protestants, and the priests consented that the meeting should adjourn in peace, provided we would not on the following day take advantage of their absence by exposing them to their people. To this we consented, and the senior priest, after a few words of address, proposed that the meeting should peaceably adjourn, to re-assemble next day, adding, that neither himself or his Reverend brethren would be present. The vast assemblage then separated in peace, and part, if not the whole of it, will meet again this day, to pass the resolutions and form the Society.

"The priests were Mr. M'Caffray, P. P. of Omagh; Mr. Kelly, his' Coadju tor; and Mr. M'Hugh, from a parish about ten miles distant. Mr. McCaffray and Mr. M'Hugh, were of the six who were fixed upon to meet the Derry clergy last year.

"The impression produced, and the ferment of discussion excited, exceeds any thing I can describe, and I could fill a sheet with interesting narratives which have come into my possession already, I fear, however, that such an inauspicious commencement will be likely to repress the movement on the part of the priesthood, of which we considered this the first step. had no reporter, and consequently one of the most interesting discussions of our day has been lost."

We

Derry-The following extract from the communication of a correspondent, contains the particulars of the Reformation meeting at Derry :

Derry, March 13th. "The Reformation Society meeting assembled here on Tuesday the 11th, and on reaching the spot, we found the magnificent hall in the Court-House crowded to suffocation, with four priests in possessiou of the platform. As it was impossible to carry on-or even to enter on business in such a scene of commotion, the meeting was adjourned by mutual consent, until the next day, in order

that measures might be adopted for securing order, and preventing accidents. The plan of admission agreed upon was by tickets to be distributed equally between Roman Catholics and Protestants; and 1500 were prepared. Such, however, was the indifference of the latter, that not more than 200 applications were presented, and the meeting was consequently Roman Catholic.

"While we were engaged in a contest with the priests about regulations, Dean Blakely came forward, and addressed himself to the chair, in opposition to the Society. The attempt to speak in reply, was prevented by the clamour of the mob, and the priests finding they had the meeting completely in their hands, proposed as a choice of evils, a religious discussion. Preliminaries were immediately arranged, and six clergymen chosen on each side. The business commenced, and was carried on with admirable temper throughout the day. This morning the meeting, was, if pos sible, more closely crowded than before, and the interest intense. The discussion was carried on in excellent order, and a really Christian spirit. The behaviour of the priests has been admirable. Some of them are of the number who were proposad for the Derry discussion last year, and they have made a fair display. We cannot expect that they should be able to make bricks without straw, and allowances are therefore to be made for lack of matter, but as orators and reasoners, they are on a par with their opponents. It would be impossible to describe to you a more interesting scene than the Court-House at this moment presents. The number in attendance is between 1500 and 2000; and the lower orders almost exclusively Roman Catholics.”

Irish Society.-On Patrick's day, the Anniversary Meeting of the Irish Society was held in the Rotunda, the Right Hon. the Lord De Vesci in the Chair. The meeting was as numerously attended as on former occasions, and the report of the proceedings of the Society during the past year was most satisfactory and cheering. It appears that there has been an increase in the schools of the Society of 70 since the last Anniversary, and of 3762 scholars, and that the funds collected during the last year amount to £4105 10s. 5d. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. Archdeacon Pakenham, the Rev. Messrs. Winning, Urwick, Singer, Corrie, M'Crea, and Sirr. The barmony of the day was a little interrupted towards its close by the attempt of a young man of the name, we understand,

of Goulding, to bring forward some of the often refuted calumnies against the Society. He was heard with most commendable patience, but his observations* were too nugatory, and his character and opposition too little respected to detain the meeting, and they passed to the business of the day,

Association for Discountenancing Vice. On the 18th of March, a deputation consisting of the Archbishop of Dublin, Archdeacon, Provost of Trinity College, and other members of the Association for Discountenancing Vice, addressed the Lord Lieutenant, requesting him to accept the Presidency of their Society, and to patronize the all important objects of the Institution. His Excellency received them most graciously, and was pleased to express himself most favourably of the Association and its plans. He also acceded with pleasure to the request that he would be present at the sermon to be preached in May, before the members of the Association, and the assembled children of the schools in Dublin and its neighbourhood.

Society for superseding the necessity of Climbing Boys in Sweeping Chim

neys.

We are happy to find that this subject attracting the attention it deserves from a Christian public; we allude to it here, for the purpose of calling attention to an interesting collection of facts contained in a pamphlet just published in London, entitled, "Observations on the cruelty of employing Climbing Boys in Sweeping Chimneys, and on the Practicability of effectually cleaning Flues by mechanical means. Price 6d.

Roman Catholic Magazine. We understand that a meeting of the Roman Catholic Bishops has taken place in Dublin, for the purpose of establishing a Periodical Magazine to advocate the Doctrines of the Church of Rome; to be supported we presume by the long purse of "the Association."

* His principal argument against the Society seems to have been, that as many of the persons who testified to their having seen hundreds of adults and children reading the Irish Scriptures, and translating any required portion, did not themselves understand Irish; the books printed in the native character, and circulated by the Irish Society might be in fact English books out of which the peasantry read. The same ingenious gentleman who thus convicted compositors and printers of a conspiracy against the public, allowed that the mere reading of the Scriptures proselyted from Popery, a very pregnant admission.