lished in what is called the Foo-chow dialect: that is, the form of Chinese language spoken at Foo-chow,-the dialects spoken in the various districts or provinces of China are nearly as different as French is from English. In a letter lately received from Mr. Burns, he tells us that he has been unexpectedly led to publish some hymns in another dialect, called the Tie-Chew. He says:— "Mr. Young's thirteen hymns in the Amoy dialect have been adapted to this, and five new ones have been added; among the new ones are "The Happy Land," and one set to the tune of "Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled." They have also in general use that beautiful hymn which we all know, and love to sing, "Come, Thou fount of every blessing." There is another, which we do not know-perhaps it came there from America—that begins, "Behold, behold the Lamb of God,-On the Cross, on the Cross," &c., &c. The blocks of these beautiful hymns were being cut when Mr. Burns wrote, and, no doubt, the Chinese Christians in Tie-Chew are singing them to the praise of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. QUEEN VICTORIA AND THE BIBLE. THE SECRET OF ENGLAND'S GREATNESS. Isa. xl. 8, "The word of our God shall stand for ever." AN African prince who was sent on an embassy with costly presents for Queen Victoria, from an Ethiopian court, preferred a modest request, that our beloved sovereign would tell him the secret of England's greatness and glory. Her Majesty did not, like Hezekiah, show the ambassador her diamonds, and her precious jewels, and her rich ornaments, but handing him a beautifully bound copy of the Bible, said, "Tell the Prince that this is the secret of England's greatness." On the morning before her marriage-day Victoria called on a dying girl at Kensington, and presented her with a Bible as her truest comfort. It was found that her Majesty had written on the fly-leaf, "The gift of Victoria ;" and it consists with our knowledge that the Bible is the Queen's favourite gift, and that every member of the royal household, from the highest to the lowest, possesses the inestimable treasure.-Bible Class Magazine. TRUE CHARITY-THE INDIAN'S Matt. v. 44, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." AN Indian of the Virginian States, when out hunting, followed the game into the American possessions. The weather was cold and rainy. He stopped at a planter's, where he begged for shelter, which was refused. Hungry and thirsty, he besought a crust of bread and a glass of water. But to each bequest, "No!" was the answer; to which was added, "Get away, Indian dog! there is nothing here for thee." Several years afterwards, this same planter had, no doubt by the hand of Providence, lost his way in the woods, and, coming up to the cabin of a savage, in his turn begged for hospitality, which was immediately granted with a very good grace. On inquiring the distance from where he was to the white men's possessions, the Indian who had received him so cordially re plied, "You are too far from home to think of returning there to-night; remain, therefore, here, and to-morrow morning I will myself guide you back to your house." The American gratefully accepted this offer, and spent the night with the Indian, who seemed to take pleasure in showing him every attention; and the next day, according to his promise, he conducted the planter to his habitation. When about to take leave, the Red-skin turned and faced his guest, bidding him look at him and try to remember where he had seen him before. The unfortunate white man instantly recognised the hunter he had so barbarously treated a few years before. He was seized with inexpressible terror at the idea of the fate that he was convinced awaited him. He attempted to speak, but could not find words to express either his gratitude or shame. But the Indian, mildly checking his endeavour, gently and simply said, " Another time, when a poor Indian, cold, hungry, and thirsty, comes to thy door to ask a shelter, a crust of bread, and a drop of water, say not to him, 'Begone, Indian dog! there is nothing here for thee."" After giving this lesson on charity, the Red-skin disappeared in the forest, leaving the white man to his conscience. NUMBER OF HORSES IN THE WORLD. THE general estimate has been 8 to 10 horses in Europe for every 100 inhabitants. Denmark has 45 horses to every 100 inhabitants, which is more than any other European country. Great Britain and Ireland have 2,500,000 horses; France, 3,000,000; Austrian empire, exclusive of Italy, 2,600,000; Russia, 3,500,000; the United States have 5,000,000. The horses of the whole world are estimated at 57,420,000. Beautiful crowns on every brow! Beautiful throne for God the Lamb! CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA AND ABOUT forty years ago, an English missionary stood in one of the wild valleys of Africa, where a quiet Christian village with its church and school now stands as a memorial of successful labours; and, surrounded by the pagan chief and his councillors, he opened to them the news of salvation by Christ, and inquired whether they would receive his message, and submit to the teaching of the Gospel. After consultation, it was said in reply, "We never before heard these things about the soul. We have had doubts and fears; uneasy feelings and sorrow have come, but we did not know where to find rest. Before you spoke, we were like people in an egg-shell; it was dark we could see nothing; we could understand nothing. There was the sky, there were the mountains, there were lilies, but we did not know who made them, nor could we tell where we came from, or where we were going. Stay and teach us, and we will hearken." About 1,233 years ago, a lone missionary stood on the banks of the Derwent, in East Yorkshire, not far from the little town of Wighton, or "the Town of the Altar," and waited the result of a deliberation on the part of Edwin, a pagan Anglo-Saxon chief, and his court. The question then was, "Shall this new religion be received ?" |