Imposture. We find that a person named A. J. Conlon, who, about four years ago, made himself notorious in Dublin and other parts of Ireland, as a convert from Popery, who deceived by his plausibility many pious persons, and when detected left the country for England, where he gained admittance as a student into Lady Huntingdon's College at Cheshunt, and was from thence expelled as an impostor, who afterwards returned to Ireland, made a scene for the priests by publicly renouncing the Protestant faith at Carlow, and presumed to propose himself at a public discussion as a Popish Champion. This person has lately appeared at Edinburgh, and bas most successfully practised on the credulity and piety of the good people there, even so far as to be permitted to occupy the pulpit of some chapels, where he has found followers and admirers. He has, however, been openly detected, and all his history in Ireland, England, and Scotland, exposed in the Scotsman newspaper of the 9th of September.

IRELAND.

Methodists-The Conference of the Methodist Ministers in Ireland was this year held in the city of Cork. It commenced on Tuesday, July 7th, and ended on the 14th. The Rev. Jabez Bunting presided; the Rev. William Stewart was elected Secretary; and the Rev. John Matthews, Sub-Secretary. There were present sixty-three Irish Preachers, and the Rev. Messrs. Morley and Newton from England.

The progress of Methodism in Ireland has, of late years, been greatly retarded by the distracted state of the country, and by the numerous emigrations which still continue to take place. The system of terror which has been adopted, has induced many Protestant families, residing in country places, to leave their native land; while the decay of trade, and the want of food, have forced thousands of the Irish poor to seek a refuge abroad. Nearly a thousand members have been added to Methodist Societies in Ireland during the past year; and yet, in consequence of the facts just stated, the actual increase does not appear to exceed one hundred. The total number of members in the Irish Connexion is, 22,846.

The Month's Mind.-Sacred Relics. -A curious story has got into circulation relative to the coffin employed on the late solemn service performed in the chapel of in which four Bishops

and we suppose 150 priests, bore a part. It has been asserted, and with what truth we know not, that the clerk of the chapel disposes of the coffin in small pieces, as an antidote for all sorts of diseases, and more efficacious than the rotten stick so zealously purchased by the pilgrims at Kilmac-duagh, as a preservative against epilepsy, and tooth acbe. The coffin will, we presume, last as many years as the identical cross, a part of which can be purchased at this moment from the pious devotee who deals in the profitable traffic.

Popery in Ireland. The following extract of a letter from a country correspondent presents a striking picture of the influence of the Priests, and superstition of the people:

"Nothing but personal acquaintance with the lower orders could give you any idea of the awful ignorance and superstition with which Popery chains down her votaries here. One instance I shall relate which came under my own observation: A few days since, I was speaking to a man at whose door I am building the school-house, and I happened to mention that the Roman Catholics attended Sir R. B- -'s schools, and I expected they would also attend my school. Do you know, Sir, what happened Sir R -- said the poor man?

I asked him what? He told me then, that Sir R- had asked the Priest to dine with him, and that when there, the Priest told him to stop the work he was at, or if he persisted, that he would turn him into a sheep, which the poor man said had the desired effect. All I could say to him could not convince him that the Priest had not that power; I told him then to send for the Priest to turn me into a sheep, for that I was determined my Roman Catholic tenants should attend, and that I would not desist till the miracle stopped me. To this be replied, ah, Sir, you have more power than Sir R, (alluding to the profession I

promise of an audience of several hundreds. On Wednesday evening, I preached at Skibbereen (on short notice) to a congregation of several hundreds, amongst whom were many Roman Catholics-all anxious, attentive, and highly pleased. On Friday, I preached at Bantry, to a still larger assemblage, with nearly (I should imagine) two bundred Roman Catholics, and found an equally kind, and encouraging reception. On that night there was a meeting of the poor ignorant Papists at a holy well, where at least three hundred were encamped. I was not able to go to them, but Messrs. Wand G- with some others, preached to them for some hours without interruption, and even circulated some copies of the English and Irish Scriptures amongst them. On Saturday morning, I proceeded to Dunmanway, and on my way met numbers proceeding towards the place where they were to perform their idolatrous rites. Mr. N - who was with me, spoke to many of them on the dreadful character and consequences of their superstitious practices, and though some were evidently ashamed, yet none were by him (speaking in the English tongue) dissuaded from their purpose; however, we met two, a man and his sister, whom I addressed in the Irish language, in the most solemn terms I could, and such was the effect produced by what I said, that the woman said in a grave and deliberate manner, I think you had better go home'both immediately turned their backs upon the well, and proceeded homewards-the man cried bitterly-he was going to get his sore eyes cured, and as a means of propitiating the favour of his unknown Ged, he had imposed upon himself the penance of going fifteen rounds of the sacred trunk.Can any thing more irresistibly prove the powerful influence of the word of God in the Irish tongue upon these poor creatures, when it is accompanied by the Divine Spirit, On the afternoon of Saturday, I preached to a full Church at Dunmanway, where there were some Roman Catholics who were much affected by what they heard, and some cried like children. I have now merely given you a brief and rapid sketch of my tour, which, although it presents much interesting matter, yet cannot convey any thing like an idea of the many causes for which I have reason to bless and praise God. Indeed the

unexpected favour with which I was heard, and the aid with which it pleased the Lord to sanction and support my feeble efforts, are subjects I trust of sincere gratitude, and for which my soul is lifted up with grateful adoration.

"I said in my letter, that I am sure the poor Roman Catholic Irish are prepared to receive the truth as it is in Jesus; and to the former grounds upon which this my persuasion was founded, I am happy to tell you, I last night added the most delightful and convincing proof:-I preached in Irish at N's Church, in Bandon, to nearly one thousand people-so crowded an audience I never saw, and never addressed: the church is small, and it was not only filled, but crammed-- the people were raised upon each other's shoulders-they were in crowds in the door-way, outside the doors and windows, in the passages, and, in fact, a greater mob could not be compressed together in a similar space-the calculation was, that the Roman Catholics were to the Protestants in a ratio of three to one. They surrounded the reading desk, were under the pulpit, in the seats with the clergymen, and, in fact, occupying every inch of ground they could find: a more attentive, impressed, and solemn congregation I do believe never was addressed by any one. They cried many of them, and my dear friend, this is the finger of God, and the hand of God. We have (glory to His Grace) a clear and open way to the people in this country. Tell this to your friends: tell them, that the Spirit of God is pouring out upon our poor people-tell them, that they may see the grace of God, and rejoice.' The Lord is owning the Irish Bible and the Irish preachers; and I do think that in a very short time Christ will see of the travail of his soul in this country, and be satisfied."

Church Missionary Society.-We are indebted to a friend for the following outline of the proceedings of this Society in the West :

At Loughrea, on Thursday, 39th July, I held a meeting in the evening, for the first time. Loughrea is not in the list, but in consequence of a. request from Mr. Medlicott, I held the meeting;there were not many persons present, but it was an inconvenient evening.

31st July.-Ballinasloe meeting was well attended, but the room where we

assembled is badly calculated, it is so small. In the evening of same day, I held a meeting at Aughrim, three miles from Ballinasloe; there was a large attendance of poor people.

August 1st-Athlone meeting was held for the first time, and certain resolutions adopted, which will, I think, lead to a favourable establishment of the Society. On Sunday I preached in the morning for the society; there was a large congregation.

3d August. Tullamore meeting ;nothing remarkable.

4th August-I was enabled to hold a meeting at Moate, for the first time. The clergyman seemed to object to the society, lest it might be Calvinistic, but I told him, if he would put any question that he thought Calvinistic to me, I would honestly tell him; he did not seem prepared to answer, and I therefore told him the best way was to attend the meeting, and form his own opinion; he did so, and gives his support and offers his church. Moate is not on the list.

5th August-Ballymahon meeting was well attended, and a sermon preached on the ensuing Sabbath, by the Rev. R. Shaw, of Kilkenny, who was on a visit.

Friday, 7th-Edgeworthstown meeting was well attended.

Sunday, 9th-Preached in Newtown Forbes; day very wet. To preach, please God, next Sunday.

13th, Monday--Held a meeting in Killaohee; in the morning there was a very respectable attendance; the schoolroom quite full.

10th, Monday-In the evening, at Ballymacormuck, a small attendance; the weather was stormy,

11th, Tuesday-The anniversary of the Longford branch Association very poorly attended, mainly, I think, to be attributed to the anniversary of the Bible Society, to be held this day; both meetings will be, however, reciprocally injured,

The Triennial Visitation of his Grace the Archbishop of Dublin, was held on Thursday, 10th of Sept. in the Cathedral Church of St, Patrick, before the Right Hon. John Radcliffe, Vicar-General. There was an extremely numerous attendance of the clergy from all parts, even the most remote, of the diocese. After prayers, the Rev. Mr. Smith, Rector of Arklow, preached a visitation sermon, from 2 Cor. v. 18. The discourse, which was in itself a charge to the clergy on the nature of their duties, the awfulness of the responsibility imposed on them, and the necessity of themselves setting the example of the effects of the Gospel in their hearts, was one scriptural in its doctrine, and deeply impressive in its delivery. At its conclusion the Provincial Synod of Leinster was opened with the customary formalities, and proxies were admitted on behalf of the absent bishops, deans, chapters, and surrogates of the province. The Synod having adjourned, Dr. Radcliffe visited the chapter of St. Patrick's, sitting in the adjoining chapter-room, and

on his return the business of the Visitation was resumed. Among the intimations conveyed by the Vicar-General to the clergy, was the Archbishop's desire that each entry in the registry of the burial in the parishes should be signed by the officiating clergyman, and not at the foot of each sheet, as is, we believe, now generally the case; and that all parochial school masters should be licensed, if the rector or vicar deemed them fit. The business of the Visitation occupied the whole day.

His Grace the Archbishop of Dublin held his triennial visitation for the diocese of Ossory, at the cathedral of St. Canice, Kilkenny, on Wednesday, the 16th of Sept. ; there was a very numerous attendance of the clergy of the diocese, and on the same day the Lord Bishop of Ossory held the ordinary visitation for his diocese.

The Triennial Visitation of the diocese of Meath was held on the 10th of September in the Church of Trim by his Grace the Lord Primate of all Ireland. The attendance both of the clergy and

the laity was very numerous. His Grace was attended by the Rev. Dr. Stopford, Dr. Radcliffe, his Vicar-General, and several other officers of his suite. Divine service being concluded, the Rev. Charles Vignoles preached from Paul's First Epistle to Timothy, ch. iv. v. 16. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine, continue in them, for in doing this, thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee." After which his Grace addressed the assembled clergy in the same charge delivered by him at Derry and the other dioceses lately visited by him, in which perspicuity of argument, and eloquence of style, were the smallest recommendations. His Grace's voice and manner were energetic, and he made a powerful impression on his auditors.

On Tuesday the 22d September, the Triennial Visitation for the Diocese of Ferns, was held at the Cathedral Church of Ferns, by the Right Hon. John Radcliff, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Dublin. The whole body of the Clergy, with scarcely an exception, attended. The sermon was preached by the Rev. John Stokes, Prebendary of Edermine. The Vicar General briefly charged the Clergy on the meaning of some recent Acts of Parliament, and after an examination of the several parishes, expressed his marked approbation of their state. The ordinary visitation of the diocese followed, at which Alexander Hamilton, Esq. LL. D. presided, the Bishop of Ferns not being sufficiently recovered from his late indisposition to attend.

At an ordination lately held by the Lord Bishop of Kildare, at Glasnevin Church, the following gentlemen were admitted to priests' orders:-the Rev. Messrs. Digges Latouche, Wolseley, Page, Macready, and Preston; and the following gentlemen were ordained deacons:-Messrs. Whitside, West, Dunne,

and Marshall.

On Tuesday, September 15th, the Lord Bishop of Killaloe held an ordina tion in his cathedral; seven were admitted into priests' orders, and six to that of deacon.

On Sunday last, the Lord Bishop of Killaloe admitted sixteen to Priests' Orders, and seventeen to Deacons' Orders, at an Ordination held at his Cathedral. The following were admitted into Holy Orders, for the Diocese of Killaloe : Priests-Rev. Sir John Reade, Rev. Mr. Brooke, Rev. James Hastings Allen, Rev. Robert C. D. Robinson, Rev. Peter Bolton, Rev.

Mr. Homan, Rev. R. Maunsell. Deacons- Richard Martin, and James C. Fitzgerald.

The Archbishop of Tuam is about to dispute the right of the Corporation of Galway to appoint a Warden of the

town.

We understand, that at the late Triennial Visitation of the diocese of Derry, the Widow's Fund, to which the Lord Bishop, the Dean, and each clergyman, rector, and curate, in the diocese, subscribes one per cent. of his income, was found to be in a most flourishing state; the sum accummulated, by saving, over and above the Earl of Bristol's original donation of one thousand pounds, amounting to the sum of nine thousand two hundred and sixty pounds. The income from the subscriptions amounts this year to three hundred and eighty-seven pounds -the payment of annuities to the widows, with a donation to a clergyman's daughter in extreme old age and poverty, and for repairs, &c. amounted to eleven hundred and thirteen pounds. On a recent occasion, when a considerable loss was sustained by a failure, the present Bishop, with his usual munificence, on the 28th of May, 1827, made a donation of one thousand pounds to the widows.

At a special Vestry for the Parish of Aglish, in Lismore, Sir W. J. Homan, Bart. in the chair, it was agreed to give the Rev. George Gumbleton, £160. a-year for the Vicarial, and to the Duke of Devonshire £320. for the Impropriate tithes of the parish for twenty-one years. Nearly all the parishes in the barony of Decies within Drum are now under the Tithe Act.

Dr. Sumner, Bishop of Winchester, is now making a visitation in the Islands of Guernsey and Jersey, which form part of his Diocese.

The Rev. J. Hemington Harris, Principal of the College at York, Upper Canada, has been admitted to the degree of D. D. by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Corporation of Yarmouth have unanimously voted the sum of £1000. towards the erection of a church in that town.

General Synod of Ulster.- A meeting of the committee of the Synod was recently held in Belfast, pursuant to a resolution entered into at the last general meeting at Cookstown, for the purpose of arranging some preliminary matters preparatory to the separation of the orthodox and Arian members. The meeting was conducted with good tem