The Bee-Hive. — 1871-06-10 (London, England)

SOCIAL.  The lectures on the Evidences of Christianity have been followed by a public meeting at which Earl Russell presided and made a speech. The noble Chairman discountenanced the notion of the present being a more infidel age than preceding ages of the Christian era. In all times there were numerous infidel publications, and many attempts to sap the foundations. of religion; the circumstances of the present day that rendered it peculiarly desirable to confirm belief among all classes in our own nation, were, in his mind, the occurrences in France, the burning of houses, the pillage of churches and temples, and the murder of women and children, and this in a capital that boasted of a civilization beyond all other countries. How was it that in a country which for centuries had had an established religion and olaimed to be especially "Christian," this should have happened. Those who lately placed themselves at the head of seeiety in Paris, were persons who, as their apologists and eulogists said, denied the existence of God, and owned no Lord and Saviour, but were the declared enemies of all religion. These acts were the natural fruits of such teaching. The Archbishop of Paris was murdered without even the imputation of crime or fault. This was done by those who boastingly proclaimed that they were the enemies of all religion. In contrast, Earl Russell -adduced a narrative by one of the hostages imprisoned in Paris. A person confined with him, who was a layman, with a wife and children, was about to be led out for slaughter, when a missionary from China, also confined with them, said to him, "I have no family; I have no ties upon rue; my business is martyrdom ; but you have family ties ; your life will be useful for the sake of others. When your name is called, lot me answer for you, and take your place." There was the contrast between those atheistioal doctrines and teachings imbibed from the pure doctrines of Jesus Christ. Therefore it was incumbent on all who wished well to humanity and to their country to unite in endeavouring to preserve to this nation the principles of the Christian faith and the blessings of the Christian religion, and in erecting au insurmountable barrier against the efforts of those who, under the pretence of advancing civilization and liberty, were spreading irreligion, immorality, tyranny, and, destruction,  The deaths from small-pox in London wore rather fewer last week. According to the Registrar-General, the failure of vaccination is due chiefly to defective administration. Dr. Bain, writing from Poplar, speaks of the great advantages there derived, in spite of various obstacles, from the appointment of a vaccination officer to look up all unvaccinated cases. In the Poplar District the annual rate of mortality from small-pox in the ten weeks ending on the 27th ult. was only 1.3; while, in the whole of London, it averaged .3.9 per 1,000 persons living.  It is stated that Mr. Ayrton propos4to display the lime light on the great doh tower of the Palace of Westminster. It will be exhibited only whilst the Houses are sitting.  The Marquis of liartington has presented a handsome silver paten to the ,ll4iglish church at 'Wiesbaden, robbed litte!y of its communal plate. The Crown Princess of Prussia has also presented r. beauWkil cornthiiniuñ of silver plate.