The Protestant religion is a great blessing, and the main cause of the prosperity of our nation. Romanism greatly impoverishes all countries which are its victims, such as Ireland, where Popery predominates. Never has the accession to the throne of a Protestant king been more needful than it was then. It is since then that England has won a name as a great nation and a brave people. If Protestantism is such a standing religion, which "has been through the water, and not been overflowed," and "through the fire without being burned," surely we ought to labour hard for the overthrow of that false religion which is the main curse of many nations in the world. By the important incidents we plainly see God's overruling providence guarding us and our religion, and, as Wickliffe said, after one of his trials, so say we again with still greater force, "The truth shall prevail." WILLIAM ERNEST CRAY (Aged 11 years). _Pearl Cottage_, _Carlyle Road_, _Forton_, _Gosport_, _Hants._ [We are sorry that no more of our young friends have sent Essays for this month, but our young friend has thereby the advantage of taking a second prize.] [The writer of the above Essay receives a copy of "The Reformation and its Heroes." The subject for November will be, "Lessons to be Derived from the History of Daniel," and the prize to be given for the best Essay on that subject, a copy of "Cowper's Poems." All competitors must give a guarantee that they are under fifteen years of age, and that the Essay is their own composition, or the papers will be passed over, as the Editor cannot undertake to write for this necessary information. Papers must be sent direct to the Editor, Mr. T. Hull, 117, High Street, Hastings, by the first of October.] "THE NAILS ARE GONE, BUT THE MARKS ARE LEFT." A little boy, whose father desired to see him a good child, was told one day that a nail should be driven into a post whenever he should do an act that was wrong; and when he should do a good deed, he might pull one out. The little fellow tried to be good, and, though there were a number of nails driven into the post, after a while not one remained. How happy must Benny have been when he saw the last nail disappear from the post! His father was greatly pleased, and was congratulating his son, when he was surprised to see that he was weeping; and very touching was the remark he made--"Ah! the nails are all gone, but the marks are left!" Was not this contrition? BIBLE SUBJECTS FOR EACH SUNDAY IN SEPTEMBER. Sept. 2. Commit to memory Isa. viii. 12. Sept. 9. Commit to memory Isa. viii. 20. Sept. 16. Commit to memory Isa. viii. 13. Sept. 23. Commit to memory Isa. viii. 14. Sept. 30. Commit to memory Isa. viii. 17. Interesting Items. "GOD save the Queen" is now sung in eighteen languages. THE cost of making a bank-note for any amount is less than one halfpenny.