The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-02-03
CENT L PRES T E IA n :.

Intern 2erance in Sweden The Swe ish phau-
throplstS are endeavOr.ng to discover a cure Tor
their national voice of intemperance, which pre-
walls to Such an alarming extent that the eglSla
ture is called upon from all quarters to interfere
and put 1t down with strong hand. Even It's
victims. it is said are themselves joining IN the
cry. The King of Sweden Sympathizes with the
Temperance men, but hesitates in action, The
Maine Law goes the length Of forbidding the sale
Of intoxicating drinks but the Swedish agltators
60 further and propose rigorous statutory law TO
suppress their manufacture.
Schools to Educate the middle classes in physical
science, English literature and French, are to be
opened in london similar experiment is on
trial in Sweden, Norway and Finland. where
schools similar to those in Denmark have been es'
tabhshed 1t seems that Danish clergyman, NJ.
Grundlvig, in 1910 established schools to prepare
the numerous small proprietors who abound in the
Scandinavian countries for political life. The prln
cipal subject> taught are history Scandinavian
literature and mythology geography, gymnastics,
singing and military exercises. There are now
fifty of these schools in Denmark, most of which
are we'll attended and all supported by private
subscription and patronage
Encouraging statement is made that the
census returns for India give the number Of native
Christians connected with Protestant churches at
two hundred thousand-all the result of mission
airy effort. We suspect that, under the sceptical
Sneers which are often thrown at the ineficiency
OF missionaries in the conversion of the heather
to Christianity the mass of our people have not
thought that so much has been accomplished. In
addition to this, it is to be noted that the gospel,
even where 1t does not save, eXertS an educating
and ennObllng influence. 1t has introduced the
leaven OF higher civilization into India. 1t has
put down many of the cruel and disgusting GUS
toms which il found there. Its influencing thou
sands Of children Its very contact with the hea
then mind awakens spirit of inquiry. And it is
circulating literature which will meet that in
curry. These results cannot be put in figures;
and the next generation will witness, in greater
degree, the conversion of multitudes of souls
through the agencies which have thus been set in
operation.
The Italian Bible.-The last great work of the
American Bible Society which has been finished,
is the Italian Bible, the work upon which has
been done at its expense, in Florence under the
supervision of the Rev Dr. Revel so well known
in this country as the President Of the WaldenSan
Table or Synod, and as the head Of their Thee
logical Seminary in that beautiful city. Dr. Revel
says: g | did not send the printer the last cor
rected page without thanking God for having per-
mitted me to finish this book. 1t is the first
edition of the whole of Diodati's translation which
has been printed in Italy since the Reformation.
The electrotype plates have been in preparation
for several years. The New Testament was first
finished, and many copies of it have been circu
lated, and considerable impression of the whole
Bible has been already struck off, for which and
for binding one thousand copies the Managers at
their last meeting made an ample appropriation.
1t has been decided that the New Assembly Hall
to be erected in Belfast, Ireland, shall form por
ton of the memorial to the late DR.. Cooke, and
also that statue of the lamented and honoreG
father of the PRESBYTERIAN Church in Ireland |
shall be erected on a column or pedestal in the most
suitable site in Belfast.
given of the progress of the Gospel, in connection
with the labors Of the agents of the London Mis-
siouary Society in Southern India. At Kotar, in
the Travancore Mission, substantial chapel and
school room, costing $3.50 in gold, have just been
built at the sole expense OF native deacon of the
NagercOil church.