The Gospel and the Child. By A. S. LAMB. Nisbet and Co. WITH the aim of this book we are in deepest sympathy: the author laments, as we do, the tendency to teach to children a way of salvation by legal doings and the performance of so-called good works, whilst adults are urged to trust in the merits of Jesus' sacrifice. He has pointed out a very common error, even amongst evangelical Christians. And yet, valuable as his matter is, we are afraid that his involved style and fearfully long sentences will ruin the influence of his book, and prevent its being read except by reviewers. If some kind, intimate friend could be induced to go, hatchet in hand, through the forest of his verbiage, and cut away relentlessly all the wild undergrowth and entanglement of words, there might be some hope of ordinary Christians reading the book. It is a thousand pities that writers should give us sentences and paragraphs sometimes of one hundred and seventy words, in the midst of which you have to take breath, and hunt for the nominative. The more obscure and involved a bad book is, the more we rejoice; but when we see an author who has a good subject, and a high aim in view, commit such literary suicide, it saddens us. Mr. Lamb may yet render most valuable service if he will only adopt a less involved and more transparent style of composition. From the "Beginning" to the "Glory." By Lady BEAUJOLOIS DENT. James Nisbet and Co. THIS title has been given to Scripture lessons for Bible-classes, and senior classes in Sunday-schools. They are, however, of an unusually high order; and are no less adapted to teachers than to the taught. Ministers of the gospel may derive much help and profit from them. They are original, evangelical, devout, faithful in their appeals, and abounding in Scripture quotations in confirmation of their sentiments and design. The present volume is almost entirely confined to the Books of Genesis and Exodus for textual themes, but shows with surprising ingenuity the mutual relations between these and all other parts of the sacred volume. That the New Testament was in the mind of The Book of Offices for Nonconformist An Churches. Hodder and Stoughton. "THE Conformity of Nonconformists" would, we think, have been a better title. Here are forms of services, with hymns, prayers, and addresses for the administration of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and for the conducting of covenant services, marriages, and burials. They are chiefly taken from the Common Prayer Book, and are brought as much as possible in sentiment and order into conformity with it. Why not complete the design with liturgies and prayers for the regular services of the sanctuary, and notices where ready-made sermons may be obtained for a very reasonable consideration? There is no more reason why any one religious service should be in a borrowed form than another. apostle, indeed, has said, "I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing"; but that he referred to baptisms, and communions, and weddings, and funerals, is not very clear. If there are ministers who are unable to conduct such services without a printed form, they should leave the work to those who can. These" Sacramental Services," as they are called, will come into general use when ministers of Nonconformist Churches have no minds or souls of their own; but we hope not till then. Wounded in the House of his Friends. By F. M. Nisbet & Co. CONTAINS excellent spiritual admonitions, likely to be useful to the undecided and unbelieving. Thoughts for Sunrise. Illuminated by L. M. W. Nelson and Sons. AN exquisite gem, worthy of a more enduring setting. Thirty-one texts, charmingly illuminated, and linked with a suitable hymn or poem: the whole united in a paper cover with a ribbon. It is the frailty of this cover which troubles us. Apples of gold should not be placed upon dishes of half-baked pottery. However, the precious things deserve our reverent commendation; and we hereby give it. What a dainty morsel for one shilling only! In the direction of cards for the New Year this booklet must take a high place. The Minister's Pocket Diary and Clerical Vade Mecum. 1885. Hodder and Stoughton. SUCH a pocket-book as this must be useful to a minister. Too many of our brethren fail in punctuality, and in the exact keeping of appointments; and to such a note-book is essential. In this case detail has been studied even down to Baptisms; there are places for the name of the child, and the address of the parents. This ought to make our Pædobaptist brethren buy it at once: but we have no such curiosities of Ritualism to record. Out of Egypt. Bible Readings on the Book of Exodus. By G. F. PENTECOST, D.D. Morgan & Scott. In the Volume of the Book; or the Profit and Pleasure of Bible Study. Same author and publishers. Life, Warfare, and Victory. By D. W. WHITTLE. Same publishers. DR. PENTECOST and Major Whittle were lieutenants to Mr. Moody when on his evangelistic tour in England, sometimes accompanying him to conduct overflow gatherings, and at other times following up his work by a series of meetings for Bible study. The three volumes here named are the results of those meetings put into permanent form for the benefit of those who heard the addresses and wished to preserve them. Each in its own sphere is excellent, our own taste inclining very strongly in favour of the book on Bible Study. We do not endorse all that Dr. Pentecost says, but even where we differ from him we honour his transparent sincerity. The more of such books the better for our common Christianity. Honour to God and blessing to souls must result from them. The Pulpit Commentary. Edited by the Rev. Canon H. D. M. SPENCE, M.A., and by the Rev. JOSEPH S. EXELL, M.A. I. Chronicles. Exposition and Homiletics by Rev. Professor P. C. BARKER, M.A., LL.B. Kegan Paul and Co. ANOTHER precious instalment of this vast work." The Pulpit Commentary is one of the preacher's best friends, and we hope the projectors of it will continue to issue it till the whole Bible has been turned to homiletical account. Upon the Chronicles we have absolutely nothing, and this volume will be, therefore, doubly welcome. So far as we can judge, the work is well done. will be clear to every student that a vast mass of sermon material is here placed before him, much of it of the best quality. We do not know where else the preacher could look for the same aid. Fifteen shillings will buy this noble volume: not a bad present from a deacon to his minister. It Daily Comfort: being meditations in the words of the Bible for every day in the year. Compiled by K. R. CROWTHER. Morning. Evening. Glasgow: D. Bryce and Son. PASSAGES of Scripture amalgamated into brief portions for every-day reading. We cannot think that they will attract many readers. The Word of God is always precious, but we cannot be sure that texts arranged by the skill of men make up the Word of God: the combination may, or may not, be a divine utterance. We judge that readers would be more profited by feeding upon the Bible itself than by swallowing these little Biblical mince-pies. White as Snow. By Lady HOPE, of Carriden. Religious Tract Society. TEXTS in which whiteness is alluded to, printed in borders of white flowers. The designs are repeated too often; we are not overcome by their charms. When this thing is done at all, it should be better done. The Pocket Dictionary of 1,000 Christian Names, with their meanings explained and arranged. John Hogg. A NEAT little book of reference. Those who wish to understand their own names, or to make a wise selection for the yet anonymous little stranger, will here find the help they need. The result of great research is here compressed into small space. The Adviser: a Book for Young People. Volume for 1884. Glasgow: If any mother is looking for a New Year's present for her children, we should advise her to buy "The Adviser," and the boys and girls will say, "Thank you for your good advice, Sir." This excellent little magazine is a wise adviser upon temperance, thrift, kindness to animals, and other kindred subjects. The National Temperance Congress at Liverpool, June, 1884. National Temperance Publication Depôt. THIS neat volume, of about two hundred and fifty pages, contains a summary of the proceedings at the Congress convened last summer, at Liverpool, by the National Temperance League. In the preface we are told that "the programme of the Congress was so arranged that no subject bearing on the temperance question could be omitted from discussion. Hence the present volume. indicates the high-water mark to which the Temperance cause had attained at the time the Congress took place." We hope the subject of Gospel Temperance occupied a more prominent position at the Congress than this report would lead us to imagine, and we should have liked to have seen fuller accounts of the sermons and addresses delivered in the two hundred churches, chapels, mission-halls, and Sunday-schools, on the Sundays before and after the Congress. If we are to slay the Goliath of Intemperance we must go forth against him, not clad in Saul's armour, but in the name of the Lord of hosts. The Birthday Book of Art and Artists. Compiled and edited by ESTELLE DAVENPORT ADAMS. John Hogg. QUITE a dictionary of dates as to the birthdays of eminent artists; for, besides those whose names are allotted to the days of the year, there is a supplementary list. The quotations are well made. The book itself is a work of art. Its price is 4s 6d. Fortunate Men: how they made Money and won Renown. John Hogg. NOT a very large book for the money, half-a-crown, but an exceedingly wise one. Much that is here said concerning business habits, in reference to moneymaking, will apply equally to nobler pursuits. We need in the service of our Lord even more of industry, perseverance, tact, etc., than would suffice to make a tradesman into a millionaire. There are passages among these selections which are worthy to be inscribed in brass in every place of business. Hard and selfish, no doubt, many proverbial maxim may be; but the Christian will know how to put in the salt, kill the evil flavour, and season the whole compound. Of worldly wisdom we have here huge nuggets, and in the mingled mass much of pure gold may be seen. Every young man may read this book with profit; and the Christian man can get a double benefit if he makes his own additions and emendations as he peruses the page. Here are two or three specimen scraps: 66 Hurry and Dispatch. No two things differ more than hurry and dispatch. Hurry is the mark of a weak mind; dispatch of a strong one. A weak man in office, like a squirrel in a cage, is labouring eternally, but to no purpose; in jot; talks a great deal, but says very constant motion, without getting on a little; looks into everything, but sees nothing; and has a hundred irons in the fire, but very few of them hot, and with those he burns his fingers.-Colton." 66 has missed being a great man by splitPull yourself together. Many a man ting himself into two middling ones." "A Hint to a good many People. When Washington's secretary excused himself for the lateness of his attendance, and laid the blame upon his watch, his master quietly said, 'Then you must get another watch, or I another secretary.' Witty and True. It was wittily said by Lord Chesterfield of the old Duke of Newcastle-His grace loses an hour in the morning, and is looking for it all the rest of the day." Notes. FRIENDS wishing to do us and our work a During our extreme weakness we have been kept from all anxiety as to funds for the Lord's work by the continual thoughtfulness of friends. The Lord reward those many loving hands which have ministered to the demands of orphans, students, and evangelists. Surely we are favoured above most others of our Master's servants by living in the hearts of so many gracious persons. Our gratitude is deep and inexpressible. Compelled to go away for a while, for the doctor says we shall not rally until a change is taken, we commit all our Tabernacle work to the Lord. Our frequent illnesses are very trying to the Church and its progress; but if all at home will pray and watch and work, as they have often done before, there will be less falling off than there might otherwise have been. If some lovers of the Lord at the Tabernacle would personally keep up the weekly offering for the College at its right pitch, which is £36 5s. each week, it would prevent a load accumulating, which is afterwards difficult of removal. The amount is published week by week, and this will be a guide to those who mean to keep it going in a healthy manner. If others would be sure to be at the Prayer Meetings, and if each one would take a double interest in something, the Pastor would feel more easy during his enforced absence. Is it not the Lord's cause? Should not his people take a holy delight in keeping everything fully up to the mark? The brethren who fill the pulpit will need prayer and sympathy. Let them have it without stint, and may the Lord bless them beyond measure. We have in the course of many years received many most extraordinary prescriptions for our painful malady; but we think the last is the most remarkable.: A Christian brother recommends us to keep a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, in our room; and he feels sure that we shall derive great benefit. He tells us that in the South of Germany they call turtle-doves "goutpigeons." This is very amusing. cannot see any connection between these We loving creatures and the pains of rheumatism, unless it be that the noise of the birds would drive away the little remnant of sleep which remains to the sufferer, and so hasten the period which will end his anguish. We are grateful to our German friend, but his doves bring us no olive leaves. Upon enquiry, we find that in some parts of Southern Germany this superstition did at one time prevail, but we hope it is dying out. We recommend keeping doves in the house metaphorically, as a cure for many a plague in the family. May the voice of the turtle be heard in our land. We regret that last month, in noticing Messrs. Hildesheimer & Faulkner's Cards, we stated that Sir Noel Paton was among the contributing artists. It appears that the designs referred to were executed by Mr. Frederick Noel Paton, one of the sons of the eminent artist. Friends may be glad to know that the last of The Clue of the Maze has gone to the binders, so that a new edition will be required before long. We trust many a doubter has been strengthened thereby. We have had several instances of good from the tiny book brought under our notice by friends. On Wednesday evening, November 26, Pastor Thomas Spurgeon delivered a lecture, in the Tabernacle, on "TEMPERANCE WORK IN NEW ZEALAND." It was entitled "Bits o' Blue," and consisted of a number of short pieces, historical, poetical, and allegorical, one of which was published in last month's magazine. There was muster of temperance and other friends of a large the lecturer, who was perfectly at home with his subject, and his audience. A number of the children from the Stockwell Orhanage sang very sweetly several Band of Hope melodies, and joined in the chorus of Mr. Chamberlain's solo, A little bow of blue." The collection in aid of the Auckland Tabernacle Fund, after payment of expenses, realized £20 19s. On Tuesday evening, December 9, the ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PASTORS' COLLEGE was held in the Tabernacle, and additional interest was given to the gathering from the fact that it was the last opportunity Pastor Thomas Spurgeon had of addressing his friends before leaving England. A large number assembled in the school-room to partake of the tea provided by the generosity of the ladies of the church and congregation, to all of whom, together with Mr. Murrell, who undertook all the arrangements, on behalf of the College, we present our heartiest thanks. By the time announced for the commencement of the proceedings in the Tabernacle, many more had arrived, and, considering that all paid for admission, the attendance was very satisfactory. The President of the College, although still exceedingly weak, was able to preside, and to present a cheering report of the progress of the work since the last meeting. Addresses were also delivered by the Vice-President, J. A. Spurgeon; Professor Gracey; two of the students who are still in the College, Messrs. A. Graham and J. F. Shearer; two students who were about to sail for New Zealand and Tasmania, Messrs. H. H. Driver and J. R. Cooper; and Mr. Thomas Spurgeon. Before the last-named speaker was called upon, his uncle, in a singularly appropriate and touching manner, referred to the esteem in which he was held by all present, and many others who were unable to be there, and spoke of the regret which all felt at being obliged to part with one whom they so fervently loved, and whose labours had been so manifestly blessed by the Lord. In the course of his farewell address, Mr. Thomas Spurgeon expressed his gratitude to all who had contributed to the building fund of his new Tabernacle, for which there had been received, either before or since his return home, more than £2,500, in addition to the valuable communion service which had been presented by friends at the Tabernacle. On the following Thursday the home farewells had to be said, and all bore the ordeal as well as could have been expected. Pastor Charles Spurgeon travelled with his brother to Plymouth, and accompanied him to the ship. Before these lines can come before our readers, we trust that our son and his companions will be far on their way towards their various spheres of labour. His coming home and return may serve to bring these distant colonies more vividly before our minds. Here young empires are trying their callow wings. Where now may be a few settlers and their sheep, there will soon be cities with thousands of men. Present influences upon these colonies will abide, and manifest themselves for ages; and it is true economy to send our best men to nations yet impressible. Painful partings may well be borne when results for the present and the future are so evident. We have received the following from Mr. Baldwin, who has commenced a mission in Morocco:-"Dear Mr. Spurgeon-You will remember that I had the joy of being with you at your Monday evening prayer-meeting, at the Tabernacle, a few weeks ago, when en route from the United States to this place. It was then my happy privilege to speak to your large audience concerning the missionary work on which I, with my wife and oldest daughter, was about to enter here in Morocco a work designed to reach the Berbers, the aborigines of this part of Africa. The memory of the prayer you poured forth for me and my family on that occasion (which brought with it a then present blessing), and of the interest and responsiveness manifested by the audience, will be a lifelong inspiration and stimulus to me. From my heart I thank you, my beloved and honoured brother. And now I write, in response to your suggestion, to let you hear from me. I desire especially to ask you if you will tell your people of my safe arrival here, and ask them to thank God therefor, and to fail not to continue their prayers for me, almost the only missionary in this dark land." POOR MINISTERS' CLOTHING SOCIETY.— Mrs. Evans desires us to acknowledge, with best thanks, the receipt of a parcel marked "Old stock and ladies' jackets," which are Other very acceptable at this season. parcels, of like nature, will be equally welcome. COLLEGE.-The following students have accepted pastorates:-Mr. J. Aubrey, at Aldershot; Mr. A. C. Chambers, at Loose, near Maidstone; and Mr. N. J. S. Naish, at Shelford, Cambs. Mr. J. P. Wigstone, who has been in England for some months, is returning to Spain. left Widnes, Lancashire, has become pastor Mr. T. A. Carver, who some time since of the church at East Street, Walworth; and Mr. T. E. Rawlings, late of Boxmoor, has gone to the Tabernacle, South Shields. Mr. W. Ewens has removed from Liskeard to Combe Martin and Kentisbury, N. Devon; Mr. W. W. Robinson, from Shrewsbury to Astwood Bank, Redditch; Mr. J. A. Ward, from Clay Cross to Smethwick, Birmingham; and Mr. J. B. Warren, from Colnbrook, to Shouldham Street, Bryanston Square, W. The students are now away for their vacation, from which they will return towards the end of this month. We think it well to inform all applicants for admission to the College that it is not likely that we shall be able to receive any additional students before the autumn session, and we have already many more candidates than can be admitted even then. In EVANGELISTS.-Messrs. Fullerton & Smith have completed their three months' mission in Ireland. Considering the exceptional difficulties with which they have had to contend, the work has been greatly blessed. About half the time was spent in Belfast, and so much interest was awakened in the services that hall after hall was crowded, and many of the hearers believed. Ballymena, it required a few days' consideration before the good folk could decide whether the Evangelists were to be welcomed or not; but before they left the town, many had been won for Christ, from ali classes of society. In Londonderry also, our brethren had many tokens for good, although there was less enthusiasm than is usually evoked in their meetings. There was a good spirit of enquiry, and many were pointed to the Saviour. This month arrangements had been made for visiting Bristol, but these have been altered; and the list of engagements is now as follows:-January 11 and onwards, Weston-super-Mare; February 1. |