to ride; for on one side was a tremendously high, perpendicular precipice down to the Aar; and one could not quite shut ones eyes to the possible consequences of a false step. There was one peculiarly frightful spot where the path was cut out of a perpendicular projecting rock, round which it went, with a frightful precipice and a roaring torrent beneath. To my horror, the lady of our party never dismounted. Happily she got safe; but a few days after, a gentleman told us that a lady's horse fell with her at the very same spot, and that she was almost miraculously pulled to the safe side, but that he had seen the poor animal lying dead in the ravine below. We had to pass over huge masses of smooth rock, gently sloping down to the river, and with little holes cut in them to hold the horse's foot. After numerous staircases, we came to a flat, where the ravine expands to a basin, shaped hollow, probably once a lake. We found a miserable chalet, and a boy with a few cows and goats. We then crossed the Aar, as indeed was frequently the case, and it required some nerve to cross the bridge constructed of long poles rudely and loosely thrown together. "No danger" however was the cry, and I more easily mustered courage to be brave, than to be laughed at for my cowardice. We presently came to the curious spot called the Höllenplatte, where the path crosses the bed of an avalanche or ancient glacier, which in former times extending thus far down the valley, has ground smooth and polished by its weight and friction. This polished rock extends for nearly a quarter of a mile. We needed not to be told that it was prudent to dismount, since it was very evident what a false step would have done for us in the gulf below, immediately on the edge of which we were passing ! Our course was agreeably diversified by taking us frequently through thick forests of noble, stately pines. My enemies, the staircases, proved friends, by enabling me to diverge for the purpose of botanizing. In one of these dark shady woods I found a very remarkable nettle, very delicate and elegant of a reddish hue, and no stinger. I gathered a good specimen in full flower, but have unfortunately contrived to lose it. I gathered also a bunch of Asplenium Septentrionale, a British Fern, but now said to be extinct with us. Nowhere have I seen such scenery as the higher half of the Grimsel Pass. The full deafening torrent and primitive bridges, the dark majestic pines, and high precipitous mountains on either side, capped with eternal snow, with the varied alpine scenery before us as far as the eye could carry us, and all seen in the clearest state of the atmosphere, on a perfect autumnal day, with the sun well behind us, formed a tout ensemble of exquisite scenery, beyond any thing I have seen elsewhere. Any dreary lengths of the Furca Pass may well be endured indeed, if Grimsel is to be the recompense. We soon came to another little verdant spot, and found a small wooden hotel. Here we put up our horses, not merely because poor Alois would have thought it outrageous not to give refreshment to both man and beast, but because there was a waterfall to see. I do not wonder that the Handek should be deemed the finest Fall in Switzerland. There are many much higher, the Handek being only 200 feet; but then the large body and rush of water, the confluence of two streams uniting and forming the one stupendous Fall, the gloom of the gorge into which it precipitates itself, and the wild character of the rocky solitude, render it decidedly the grandest thing of the kind that we met with in our travels. But indeed the waterfalls of Switzerland are so singularly varied in their character, that they do not admit of comparison. What, for instance, can be more entirely different than the Handek, the Staubach, and the Pelerin Cascade? Who can pretend to say which carries the palm, and who would do otherwise than feast his eyes on all of them? The great thing is to discover and enjoy the distinctive beauties and peculiarities of each, and to dispense with comparisons. The Fall is only a few minutes walk from the inn. After fully surveying in it from the top, we went, as in duty bound, to take refreshment, though our regular halting place was tended to be a few miles further. After leaving the inn about half a mile, there is another lower station, from which the Fall is seen to great advantage. Altogether, the scenery is most imposing. In less than two hours we came to the lovely village of Guttannen. Here we halted for an hour. Alois suggested that it would be very desirable for him to advance without delay, and get the preference of apartments, especially as we purposed tarrying there over the Sabbath. As he assured us that we had surmounted every thing in the way of difficulty, and that his services could not be needed, we agreed. We were no sooner seated, however, at our lunch of cold mutton, milk, &c., than we heard a trot, and, on looking out, we found it was the rogue of a fellow who, no doubt, had thought far more of his own comfortable ride, on a return horse, than of our benefit. Indeed, I don't think I am uncharitable, since we found his assurances of nothing but smooth, good travelling quite fallacious. Before we reached Meyringen, we had not only an abundance of those abominable staircases, but decidedly the most awkward Pass that we had encountered, in which, for the first time, I felt giddy and uncomfortable. So much for the real advantage of Swiss guides. We still continued to descend through lovely scenery of the greatest possible variety. I was surprised to see the sheepshearing going forward in all directions. I cannot imagine what the poor sheep do with their scanty covering in the winter. I had the delight of gathering, on a damp shaded rock, the Primula Auricula in full flower. Everywhere in the meadows, from Belgium to Chamouny, the Colchicum Autumnal, grows in abundance. After passing the retired green valley of Upper Hasli, and making a considerable ascent, we descended a very long, difficult, zigzag staircase, at the foot of which we came into the beautiful valley of Meyringen about half-past six o'clock, more wearied I believe with the satiety of superabundant enjoyment, than with bodily fatigue. (To be continued.) Entelligence. DR. BAIRD'S ADDRESS IN LONDON. To the Editor of the Christian Guardian. A SHORT time ago, I had the privilege of attending a meeting of Christian ministers and laymen, who were invited to meet the Rev. Dr. Baird of New York, and to hear the report of his views of the religious state of the European nations. He had been visiting, during a period of several years, most parts of the Continent, with the purpose of making minute and accurate observations on the prospects of evangelical religion; and had come over to England on his way home, prepared to recount to British Christians the results of his enquiry. Dr. Baird, with a manner remarkably modest, simple, and confiding, thus opened his views. He said that he would in the outset observe there were many points on which, he presumed, Christian men had made up their minds. 1, That ultimately the kingdom of Christ was triumphantly to fill the world. 2, That nothing but divine truth, the simple message of mercy, is to effect that. 3, That God will employ as instruments for this purpose, the members of his Church. 4, That all that the Church can do in the matter, is to present the truth to men, and pray for a blessing on it. 5, That it is the duty of every one to take a part in this work. He then stated that there were many things in respect to which much might be done.-1, It is the duty of a Christian to inform himself of the moral and religious state of the world. He feared it would be found, that actual impiety and ungodliness was the great impediment to Scriptural knowledge and influence; and that a few able comprehensive works on the state of religion in the different continental nations, would be found very important. Such teaching appeared to him peculiarly necessary to raise the Christian Church to the standard of liberality required for proper action. M. Guizot, an enlightened statesman, had admitted, that more is done for the general improvement of mankind by missionaries than by any other agency. 2, That it is the Christian's duty to direct effort wisely to the real conversion of the world. We should look out for the ways that are really open; and enter them as soon as possible. We should make the most of such means and opportunities as are fairly before us. Formerly it was not possible to do much-the way was not open. Men might go to the Esquimaux or the Hottentot, because he could find access nowhere else; but if better channels of access appeared, the duty of going to such out of the way places would not be so stringent. Now, a mighty change had taken place. Of the idolatrous world, every land was open except Madagascar and Japan. Of the Mohammedan, all but Bokhara. But even in these which were open, there seemed a previous work requiring performance. The great hindrance to the spread of Gospel truth in such countries, is the impiety of the nominal Christians dwelling among them. These must be converted. Exclusive measures must be adopted to accomplish this. It appeared to him, therefore, that the wise course was not to waste strength on the uncivilized extremities of human society, but to direct the energies of the Missionary church on powerful countries, in proportion to their importance in the scale of nations. This could not be formerly, but it may be now. We should follow the apostolic example, as en joined by our blessed Lord. The first instruction was "beginning at Jerusalem;" and from thence the apostles gradually spread to Syria, Egypt, Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. Had these men begun at the circumference, and not at the centre, had they overpast the civilized nations, and applied their energies only among the remote barbarians, how long it would have been before they reached the household of the imperial palace, and the throne of the Cæsars! It Look at the Romanist world. calls for a renewed assault upon its superstitions. Within fifty years the first reformation seemed to have done its work. In Italy, Spain, Belgium, Poland, it failed altogether; and since then, in other places, Rome had recovered, by the increase of population and by colonization, as much influence as she had lost. But within the last fifty or sixty years, the Romish world has been opening under the influence of religion and political liberty to new aggression. The principles of a reformation, connected more especially with political improvement, spread from England to America, from America to France, and thence in various measures to the surrounding nations. Convictions in these respects have arisen which nothing can suppress. There was a time when the truth spread so rapidly in Poland that it might have become a Protestant nation; but the Diet opened the door for the admission of the Jesuits, and by their artifices the effort for reformation was foiled. When, however, the division of Poland took place, it was found experimentally that, of the three powers concerned in the partition, only the Protestant power, Prussia, has acted really for the welfare of Poland. This conviction has sunk deep in men's minds. The Franks in France and Belgium are forty millions of souls. It was this people that, in the days of Pepin, originally constituted the power of the papacy; and now they are the people among the Romanists most open to the influence of Scriptural truth. There is a loud call to enter at once with liberal efforts on this wide and important field, and to recommence, with energy equal to that of former days, the reformation. The true conversion of the French would be the most promising measure that could be attempted. Even now, the taste and predilections of the French is for missions. The Pope understands this well, and avails himself of it. Out of the 365 missionaries employed by Rome, one half are Frenchmen. It would be well for Christians to turn their attention to the operations of the Society de propaganda fide, an account of which may be obtained in English, the annual volume costing 3s. The association at Lyons in aid of it is active and prosperous. Ten years ago, it did not raise annually 10,000 dollars; now it raises 900,000, or about £180,000. There are two other important associations, the Leopold Society in Austria, and another in Bavaria; but they are not so active as the French association. And this work is only now beginning in earnest. The Romanists now see plainly that if they do not conquer the reformation, they will be conquered by it-that there can be no compromise, and consequently a mighty impulse has been recently given to missionary efforts; and associations are being organized on every side to collect money. We know the motives that can be set to work for the purpose; how easy it is to deal on popish principles with superstitious and dying men. And as to labourers, they have abundance. They want not the religious converted character, needful to the Protestant mission for the truth's sake; any man serves who will obediently adopt a system which is essentially accordant with the corruption of fallen man. The celibacy of the priesthood, the dissociation from natural ties, fits them in many ways for obedience and activity in this work. With them it is sufficient to say, "Go, and he goeth; do this, and he doeth it." Associations are being formed to pray for the conversion of England, Russia, and the United States, in which every paternoster said is put to the individual's credit account. They are very sanguine about England and America; but hitherto all their efforts to enter Russia have failed. The two antagonist superstitions are mutually very hostile. After making some further remarks, Dr. Baird addressed himself to state what he thought might be done. In the first place, he would have us not to neglect the work at home. Ireland was vastly important. The sound conversion of the Irish was of great moment to the world, and to America especially, to which 40,000 Irish emigrants come out annually. And next to France, Ireland was the most active in the propagation of the Romish faith; for, such as it is, they had more heartiness in the profession of it than others. In France and Belgium, there is great encouragement to an immediate and extensive aggression. A great preparation has been made for a great work of conversion. Three millions of copies of the Scriptures, and several millions of books have been circulated. Above 200 useful religious works have been translated into French, and very generally read. There are now 200 Protestant ministers in the French Established Church preaching Christ crucified; 100 others who are not so paid by the State; above 100 evangelists; and 200 colporteurs, who carry the Scriptures for sale through the country. In most of the chief cities now, a little band of faithful men is to be found, in whom a missionary would find comfort and encouragement. And such is the demand for faithful teaching, that both men and money are wanted. 500 godly men would at this moment find room to labour, and plenty to do. M. Roussel affirms, that he could now establish twelve churches every year on the incipient labours of the colporteurs in different localities. Money is the great want now; and the American churches are, for their part, coming up to the demand. They were taking a very deep interest in this work, and intending to provide for it largely. În Portugal the door is not so open as in France; and in fact no nation could act in Portugal so efficiently as England. Open preaching might not be very easy, but men may go through the country and talk-travel on from village to village, and communicate with the people-as M. Gobat did in Abyssinia; they will find plenty who will listen. It is sad to think of our neglect of opportunities. Our steamers are continually going to Gibraltar, and touching at Portuguese and Spanish ports, often carrying each 150 English, and, perhaps, not one taking with him a few Spanish or Portuguese tracts, which might be distributed on landing at different ports with the utmost facility. Spain is, perhaps, more open than Portugal; but at all events Gibraltar is a centre for operation of great importance. When he (Dr. Baird) was there, he saw, in a school which was established five or six years ago, 180 Spaniards, natives of the rock, who are called by the soldiery "rock scorpions," and a young man preaching to them in Spanish. All the efforts of the priests failed to prevent this. The parents say, "let them make Protestants of them if they will. At all events the influence upon our children is good." Here, then, is a multiplication of agents who may be found vastly serviceable. Italy, also, has its difficulties; but men may be sent there to talk. Nothing can prevent men from talking, and even the monks will hear. Malta is a good point-d'appui for approaching Italy, where there are 100,000 men speaking Italian. Algiers, Scutari, the Ionian Islands, Constantinople, Smyrna, all present numbers of persons speaking Italian, and connected with Italy. And if they receive the truth, there are men at home in Italy who will listen to them, from a variety of motives. In the Pope they are sadly disappointed. He has got to the end of his reforms. He is no more a reformer really than his predecessors. He wants courage, and is unequal to the crisis. He has dismissed the old barber who ruled the former Pope, but he has appointed him to a very important place. He will be found, after all, a thorough advocate of the old system, and the peo PASSING NEW BISHOPS.-It seems decided that the number of English Bishops shall be increased; but whether by the division of the larger dioceses, or as suffragans to help the Bishops of ple know this. A preacher of real ability should be immediately located in Rome. In Greece there are a million of people sadly neglected. There is an open field. 200 books have been translated into modern Greek, and though the hierarchy is much opposed, and infidelity is spreading, yet the scepticism opens the way to liberality and the announcement of the truth. In Turkey the missionaries laboured long, and at length have seen some success. They took the right coursethey founded a Protestant American Church. In Pera there are eighty members, and churches exist also at Trebizond, Erzeroum, and other places. There is much persecution of the evangelical Armenians. But the Turks take their part, in consequence of their own views of the divine Being, and they say, "Go hence, idolators, and let these people alone.” In the north of Europe religion gives promise of improvement, a revival has begun; and, although the thorough neologians are becoming worse, those who hold the truth are growing under its influence. Difficulties and trials are likely to arise out of political movements, especially those which are about to take place in Prussia; and which may give rise to more extended troubles than are yet foreseen. At the same time there appears little opening for effective assistance in the north from foreign aid. The constitution of the states and the people, seem to intimate that any evangelical improvement must arise from themselves. France, Belgium, Italy. These appear to be the points on which an aggression may be made effectually: and, to a strenuous effort, Dr. Baird most earnestly and affectionately exhorted and encouraged the British churches. The hints that he has given appeared very valuable, and I doubt not they will be accounted so by your readers. LATIMER. EVENTS. the existing dioceses, does not yet appear. In all probability, before we go to press, there will be a full development of the intended scheme. We must confess, we are no |