of personal influence, but continued holding their weekly discussion meetings for one month without the slightest.ncrease; at the end of which time one person joined thein, and in another mouth two more joined them, making the total number of members at the end of three months, nine. Since that time the society has gradually increased until the present time (January 10, 1853). It now numbers one hundred members, possesses a reading-room (open every evening from six till halfpast ten), well supplied with the requisite papers and periodicals; a valuable library of circulation; classes for the study of music, phonography, mathematics, and English grammar; and all the requisites for a permanent and useful educational establishment. The committee are now engaged in securing a course of lectures, which will shortly be published. The society is entirely unsectarian, and independent of support from any persons except members.-H. W. L.

Hebden Bridge Mutual Improvement Society. -The members of this society held their annual festival on Saturday, January 1, 1853. After the removal of the trays, the Rev. T. J. Walker was called upon to preside. The secretary, Mr. J. Clegg, then read a report of the past year's proceedings. During that time upwards of thirty lectures had been delivered, including a valuable course of eight lectures on the Lord's Prayer by the Rev. T. Hisk; eight on theology, by Mr. Thomas Walton; six on chemistry, by Mr. H. W. Horsfall; and five, by Mr. J. H. Robinson, on various scientific subjects. In addition to the lectures, one evening in each month had been devoted to recitations of prose and poetry. The library now contains about 114 volumes of choice and valuable books.

The persons comprising the society are divided into two sections, termed shareholders and members. The former pay a weekly subscription of one penny each, and possess an equal share in the property. The latter pay a penny per month, and enjoy all the benefits of the institution, but have no share in the property, and no vote in the purchase of books, apparatus, &c. Any member or other person wishing to join the former section can do so by paying a certain per centage on the amount already paid up by each shareholder, together with the weekly subscription. After the report had been read, the meeting was addressed by the Rev. G. Greenwood, Messrs. Walton, Cockcroft, Horsfall, Robinson, Barker, and others. We trust that from this occasion the society will receive a fresh impetus, and will go on with increased vigour and success.

Skipton (in Craven) Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society, Zion Chapel.-This society was formed in October, 1851, and at its commencement consisted of eight members, but has increased during the past year to forty. The history of the class from its formation has been one of steady progress and growing interest, and it has been of much benefit to its members.

A meeting for discussion is held every Tuesday evening, presided over by the Rev. R. Gibbs. Each question is introduced with an essay written by the proposer of the subject. During its existence twenty-seven essays have been read, and the subjects of them discussed. The following, among a number of other subjects, have elicited animated discussions: 1. "Is the character of Oliver Cromwell worthy of admiration?" 2. "Ought

Railway Trains to run on the Sabbath?" 3. "Are the English justified in the taking and retaining of British India?" 4." Had William the Conqueror any right to the Throne of Eng. land?" 5. "Is the character of the late Duke of Wellington, as a Statesman, worthy of applause ?” 6. "Is the Militia necessary and just? 7." Was the Execution of Charles I. justifiable?" 8. Was Mouachism beneficial or injurious in the Times it existed, and did it ultimately prove such to European Society?" The president, the Rev. R. Gibbs, has delivered four lectures to the members and friends of the society on the following subjects-1. "Self-cultivation." 2. "Bunyan and his Times." 3. The relation of the Bible to Civil and Religious Liberty, and the Rights of Conscience." 4. "The character of Zwingli, the Swiss Reformer."

Ou Tuesday, January 4, 1853, the members and friends of the society held their first annual tea meeting, in the British schoolroom, kindly lent by John Dewhurst, Esq., when upwards of 140 persons partook of an excellent tea. A publie meeting was afterwards held, when several members gave addresses upon self-cultivation, and the benefits to be derived from connexion with such institutions. The president closed the evening's proceedings with a powerful and stirring speech, in which he adverted to the steady improvement he had witnessed among the members, and expressed his desire that they should persevere; not resting contented with present acquirements, but to go on determinedly in the pursuit of truth. The meeting broke up about ten o'clock, highly gratified with the evening's entertainment.

At a general meeting on the 11th instant the following resolution was passed unanimously:"That the society take in the British Controver sialist and "The Literary and Scientific Lec turer," monthly; and, also, that the volumes already published of these periodicals be purchased in the monthly parts."-D. S.

Sheffield Wesleyan Association Young Men's Institute.-On Thursday, December 30, 1852, the young men connected with this association held their annual tea meeting, in the large room belonging to the institute, Tudor-place. Considering that the meeting was open only to members and candidates, the attendance was good, although not so large as the year before. From the report it was found that the society now numbered ninety-two members and candidates; and, although the average attendance has not been so good as it ought to have been, still it was better than in some previous years. During the year a spirited and friendly competition had been carried on in the various week-night classes. Cruden's "Concordance," and a work entitled "Lights of the World, were awarded to brother William Griffiths as the first prizes in the English grammar and composition classes. The Tract Society's edition of Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," and a pocket commentary on the New Testament, were awarded to brother Alfred Lawley as the second in the above-named classes. Dr. Dick's "Celestial Scenery," and "The History of Jerusalem," were awarded to brother James Pearson as the first prizes in the arithmetic and second grammar classes. After the report was read, the meeting was addressed by the Rev. James Ward (the chairman), Mr. Charles Wardlaw, Jun., Mr. T. B. Shuttleworth, and Mr. E. Lister, on the impor

tance of classes of this description, the necessity of improving the mind, and exhorting the young men to use their utmost endeavours not only to improve their own attendance, but also to bring others with them, and thus be the means of increasing the usefulness of the institution, and extending the sphere of its labours. The evening was enlivened with various recitations given by members; and, after a vote of thanks to the chairman and the ladies who had kindly presided over the tea, the meeting broke up, all seeming well pleased with the unanimity and good feeling that had prevailed throughout the evening.-W. G., Secretary.

Monkton Young Men's Literary Society.On the evening of Thursday, December 30, the members of this society gave a soirée within the parish schoolroom at Monkton. The audience was large and respectable, numbering about 200. In the absence of the Rev. Dr. Lawrie, minister of the parish, from indisposition, the duties of chairman were very efficiently discharged by the Rev. Robert Pollock, of Glasgow, supported by the Rev. John Forbes, of Ayr, and Mr. Fleming, Jun., of Troon. The Rev. Mr. Pollock, having opened the proceedings with prayer, gave a short introductory address, interspersed with a few very interesting anecdotes. The company then partook of a service of tarts; and, having been entertained for a short time with singing, the Rev. John Forbes rose and addressed the meeting at considerable length on the necessity of combining secular with religious education, and the benefits accruing therefrom. A few select songs were then given, after which Mr. Fleming rose and addressed the meeting on reading, and in a lengthy and very interesting address, which was listened to throughout with marked attention, pointed out the books which ought to be read, the manner in which they should be read, and the advantages to be derived from such reading. Mr. Fleming, having spoken for a considerable time, sat down by saying that, amid all the changes going on by emigration, &c, we may rest secure upon Him who is the Rock of ages; and hope, joy, and light would animate our souls when we know that "there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we can be saved, but the name of Jesus Christ." Another service was then given the company, and a few more songs sung; after which the chairman made a few concluding remarks. He was sure the company would agree with him when he said that the manner in which the entertainment this evening had come off was highly gratifying. Everything had gone on exceedingly well, and reflected great credit on the young men the members of the society. He also congratulated the vocalists for the admirable manner in which they had done their part; and, before sitting down, he begged to move that a vote of thanks be given to the Rev. Mr. Forbes and Mr. Fleming for the excellent addresses with which they had been kind enough to favour the company. Mr. Cowan then moved that a vote of thanks be tendered to the Rev. Mr. Pollock for his kinduess in attending the soirée that evening, and for the very excellent manner in which he had discharged the duties of chairman. Both motions having been carried with acclamation, the company separated.-S. C., Secretary.

Tunbridge Wells.-High-street Debating Club. -We are happy to learn that this is another so

ciety which owes its existence to the suggestions contained in our magazine. It is established for the discussion of all questions except religious ones, and very animated debates have already taken place on the subjects of phrenology and the mentality of woman. The meetings are held every Thursday evening, from eight till ten o'clock. Stockport. Orchard-street Chapel Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society. On Christmas-day last the second annual gathering of the members of this society and their friends took place in the schoolroom. Tea was served, to which nearly 200 sat down; but, that room proving too small for the company, they adjourned into the chapel, where they passed a very comfortable evening. The president of the class (the Rev. A. Clarke) took the chair The secretary's report was very favourable, and a discussion was ably carried on by four of the members as to "Whether England would decay like the ancient nations bad done?"-after which the members contributed very successfully to the enjoyment of the evening.-W. B.

Merion Literary Society.-The second soirée of the above union was held on Christmas evening, in a spacious room adjoining the town-hall, Bala, at four o'clock. A party of about 250 highly respectable ladies and gentlemen sat down to an excellent tea.

At the commencement of the meeting, after tea, the party was greatly augmented. A little after five o'clock, Mr. G. Jones was called to the chair by the unanimous voice of the meeting. His address was concise, but very appropriate for the occasion. He then called upon the representatives of the different branches to read their reports, which showed them to be in a very flourishing and hopeful condition. In the course of the meeting several addresses were delivered; some very pathetic, and all tended to the enjoyment of the audience. The addresses were intervened by glees, sung by the choir of the society, and the reading of adjudications upon subjects laid out by the society for competition, both in prose and verse. The prizes were awarded to the successful candidates. The proceedings of the evening terminated about nine o'clock, and every one present appeared to be well satisfied with them.

We have to thank the editors of the British Controversialist for the great benefit we have derived from their invaluable magazine; and we entertain the strongest hope of seeing a magazine of this description started in the Welsh language, and do sincerely believe that it would be the greatest boon which could be conferred upon the principality, especially if conducted in a candid and truth-seeking spirit.—E. J.

The Edinburgh Young Men's Association.This association has been in existence for nearly three years. The session was opened on the first Friday in October by a lecture to young men by the president, and subsequently by addresses from the Rev. R. W. Fraser, on the study of science, and James Simpson, Esq, advocate, on secular education.

The association held its half-yearly soirée on Friday, the 7th ultimo, when a large company assembled. The chair was occupied by Mr. T. Usher, president, who opened the proceedings by a rhythmical address. Addresses were also delivered by Mr. William Danks, on "Emigration;" Mr. Alexander Brodie on "The Business of the

were running to and fro, and knowledge was being increased. Would that he could say of it all, how beneficial in operation, how valuable in possession! But while the larger portion of it bore the" guinea stamp," there was no small quan tity of base and spurious metal in circulation; for there was a peculiar class of authors of the present day, who, taking advantage of a growing taste for reading, were disseminating a certain popular kind of writing, which not only stimulated the worst passions of our nature, but pandered to the lowest and most debasing appetites. What would be the result of such deleterious stuff upon the uneducated mind? It was vain to deny the startling and awful conclusion, that, like all other poisons, it would produce a moral deadness, which comes to look at everything vicious as not only harmless, but pleasant, and ultimately to practise it unhesitatingly. With such means at work, he had strong faith in the ultimate triumph of our cheap moral literature"thoughts that breathe, and words that burn;" and he rejoiced in the fact, that nothing had contributed more than mechanics' institutions to place the pleasures and recreations of pure literature within the reach of all true seekers, furnishing them with the best companions when alone, and sweetening and elevating the social and domestic circle. In conclusion, it was an age of progress, and its tendeucy was onwardright on. Happily we did not require to leave our own shores to know what progress was. Our country presented the most magnificent exhibition of progress in the world-a nation which, in spite of the boasts and threats of others, had long reigned the sole mistress of the seas, and her flag now floated over the richest provinces of the world. But there was a time when darkness covered our land, and gross darkness the minds of the people-a time when scenes were enacted in our midst which go to darken the bloodiest pictures in the book of time. He called special attention to the great tide of emigration which had distinguished 1852. Who would draw aside the curtain of the future, and permit them to gaze upon Australia fifty years hence? None would attempt the super-human task; still he anticipated a glorious prospect. Who did not feel it to be an elevated and noble work to plant the foot of British enterprise, and extend her sceptre by the banks of streams unnamed, and over fertile regions yet unknown? and a yet nobler work to diffuse over a new created world

the spirit of our free institutions, the language of our Shakspeare, the morals of our Milton, and that christian religion, the last great heritage of man? Australia possessed all the advantages and facilities which contribute to greatness and strength. And, perhaps, before the young men who so recently left their owr village to find there a home have grown old, Australia might become a great, free, and prosperous nation. In conclusion, he urged all to bestir themselves, and not to allow the world of mind to linger in its course, holding out the incentive, that there was no real genuine progress, but as the result of more extended knowledge; and was there not an exciting hope in contemplating the tendency of the age, breaking up old landmarks, chasing away the fogs which now obscure the intellect, and clearing the moral perceptions of mankind, so that those who have faith in the truth that a good time is coming, can afford to overlook any remaining vestiges of darker times, and see them sink beneath the brightening rays of a brighter future. The proceedings of the evening were much enlivened by two pieces of recitation, given in excellent style by Mr. H. Ross, Jun.; also songs and duets from two deservedly popular vocalists, Mrs. McMinn and Mr. W. Locke.Pastry and fruit were served to the company at intervals during the evening, and the meeting, which was a very interesting one, passed off with the greatest eclat.

Airdrie Young Men's Society.-The members of this society, with their male and female friends, to the number of seventy, held their seventh annual soirée on the evening of Wednesday, the 12th January; Mr. Thomas A. Macfarlane, the president, in the chair. After a service of tea, and the singing of a hymn by the meeting, the chairman opened the proceedings in an able address on "The Young Men of Airdrie, their Position and Prospects." Addresses were afterwards delivered by Mr. W. Hutton, on "SelfImprovement;" Mr. W. Brown, on "Biography;" Mr. John Hunter, on "Music;" Mr. A. Leal, on "Byron;" and by Mr. J. W. Gillespie, on " Mutual Improvement Societies." The intervals between these addresses were agreeably occupied by glees, duets, songs, and recitations, and by the enlivening strains of a small instrumental band. The meeting separated shortly after one o'clock, having spent a most harmonious and instructive evening.-W. B., Sec.

QUESTIONS REQUIRING ANSWERS. 142. After some months' experience in debating I have greatly felt the want of a more systematic mode of thinking, from my inability to reply to the arguments or objections brought forward by the opposite side in a debating society in the specified time required. The subject-matter of the evening generally appears to my confused mind enveloped in mystery, as if I was deprived of my intellectual powers; whilst the delivery of my

prepared speeches is characterized by an excellent style. As I wish to arrive at a degree of efficiency in the art of speaking, and as I believe myself to be deficient in that most fundamental part of it, viz., to think quickly, will any of your corre spondents be pleased to suggest any plan likely to meet my requirements?-TIMON.

143. Will some of your readers be kind enough, through the pages of your valuable periodical, to assist a scriptural student by supplying him with the information of the price, and names of the

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