all the while that she will select something for his particular palate, and off he goes. Some husbands will leave home without saying anything at all, but thinking a good deal, as evinced by their turning round at the last point of observation and waving an adieu at the pleasant face or faces at the window. Some husbands never say a word, rising from the breakfast table with the lofty indifference of a lord, and going out with a heartless disregard of those left behind. It is a fortunate thing for their wives that they can find sympathy elsewhere. Some husbands never leave home without some unkind word or look, apparently thinking that such a course will keep things straight in their absence. Then, on returning, some husbands come home jolly and happy, unsoured by the world; some sulky and surly with its disappointment. Some husbands bring home a newspaper or a book, and bury themselves for the evening in its contents. Some husbands are called away every evening by business or social engagements; some doze in speechless stupidity on a sofa until bedtime. Some husbands are curious to learn of their wives what has transpired through the day; others are attracted by nothing short of a child's tumbling downstairs or the house taking fire. 'Depend upon it," says Dr. Spooner, "that home is the happiest where kindness and interest and politeness and attention are the rule on the part of the husbands-of course all the responsibility rests with them-and temptation finds no footing there."

66

Phenomena of the Months.

SEPTEMBER.

THE sun rises on the 1st at thirteen minutes after five, and sets at fortysix minutes after six. On the 30th he rises at fifty-nine minutes after five, and sets at forty-one minutes after five. Hence the day shortens by forty-six minutes in the morning, and one hour and five minutes in the evening.

Full moon on the 8th thirty-nine minutes after four in the morning. New moon on the 23rd at fifty-five minutes after eleven in the morning. She is nearest the earth on the 6th, and most distant from it on the 18th.

Mercury is an evening star, setting on the 3rd at fourteen minutes after sunset, which interval slowly increases, and on the 28th he sets at twenty-five minutes after sunset. He is near the moon on the 25th, and at his greatest distance from the sun on the 29th.

Venus is a morning star, rising on the 8th at three hours thirty-seven minutes before the sun. On the 28th she rises at three hours eighteen minutes before the sun, and is near the moon on the 20th.

Mars rises on the 7th at three minutes after ten p.m., and on the 27th at twenty-four minutes after nine p.m. He is near the moon on the 15th, and with the sun on the 21st.

Jupiter rises on the 7th at two hours fifteen minutes after sunset, and on the 27th at one hour forty-one minutes after sunset. He is near the moon on the 13th.

Saturn rises on the 7th one hour fifty minutes after sunset, and on the 27th one hour fourteen minutes after sunset. He is near the moon on the 12th.

High water at London Bridge on the 1st at five minutes after six in the morning, and twenty-eight minutes after six in the afternoon. On the 30th forty-five minutes after five in the morning, and ten minutes after six in the afternoon.

Great Fire of London broke out on 2nd, 1666, L. A. Thiers died on the

LEA BRIDGE.

July 6th, 1881. DEAR BRO. SIMS,-On Wednesday, June 29th, we had a good and happy day in connection with the Cromford Branch of the Local Preachers' Mutual-Aid Association, our ex-President having intimated in a letter to the Local Secretary that at the close of the Sheffield meeting he and Bro. Benson and Bro. Rose would spend a few days in Matlock, and that if a meeting could be arranged for, they would be glad to attend and advocate the claims of our Association. The friends were glad of such an opportunity to hold a meeting, and at once set about getting bills and circulars printed and distributed, announcing the meetings; and certainly they have been the best and most enthusiastic meetings ever held in connection with the Cromford Branch. We had also the co-operation, help, and sympathies of the Wesleyan and Free Church ministers. In the afternoon Bro. Benson gave a rich discourse on the power of the Cross of Christ. Considerable influence was felt while Bro. Benson was preaching, which drew forth repeated responses of

66

Glory be to God." Public tea was provided, of which a goodly number partook. The public meeting was warm and enthusiastic.

It was regretted that our liberal and sympathising friend Mr. Wildgoose could not (as he intended) take

the chair, but kindly handed over to the Secretary next day one pound for the collection.

Mr. Riddle, from St. Ives, Hunts, occupied the chair in a very interesting and agreeable manner. After the Local Secretary had given a brief report, and made a few remarks, Bro. Rose, of Aylesbury, gave a somewhat humorous but a capital address; the only drawback was, it being too short. Then Bro. Benson, who is a matter-of-fact man, delivered a very practical speech, giving the meeting an outline of the origin, rules and benefits of the Association.

Then came our ex-President, Mr. Madder, than whom the Association has but few more disinterested and philanthropic members; who has, during the last twelve months, been in labours more abundant and in journeyings often, soliciting aid on behalf of his local brethren. Indeed, the condition and necessities of his aged brethren have been on his heart and on his brain so much that, although he came to Matlock professedly for rest and to recruit his energies, he could not well rest, but must be doing. “God bless the man." We could wish for the Association's sake the Madders were a hundredfold.

The meetings, I believe, have served to arouse our sleepy energies, and given an impetus to our Branch; as at the close a gentleman and a lady

each promised us an annual subscription, twenty-one shillings per year, and several of the local brethren also have promised to join the Association; and I hope we shall become a richer and a stronger Branch.

Enclosed please find post-office order for £7 15s., as the financial result of the meeting. I will send you in a few days the schedule for July with the annual honorary subscriptions. Yours truly,

GEORGE BARKER,
Secretary.

DEAR BRO. SIMS,-In reference to our Annual Meeting of 1881 we have had large conceptions, and have asked largely for chapels, &c., in the district. God very greatly honoured our faith both in Him and our Methodist Preachers and people; but without the very generous help of our brethren, our plans must have failed; and we are as deeply indebted to our brethren who kindly took the smaller places as to those who took the larger; in fact, for the completeness of the success, more so. As a Committee we feel this, and trust that our brethren will accept our heartfelt thanks and that in future we may all look at the matter in this light. Possibly were a Committee perfect in knowledge, they might do better in the selection of men and places; but with the imperfect knowledge we had, in the sight of God, we earnestly tried to do our best, and are thankful for the total results.

GENERAL COMMITTEE. THE monthly meeting was held at Bro. John Wade's, Mitcham, Monday, August 8th, 1881.

on

Present: Bros. Madder (chair), Wade, Clapham, Wardley, Sims, Harding, J. Carter, Parker, Amphlett, and Chamberlain.

Bro. Wade opened the meeting with prayer.

The minutes were read and confirmed.

A long conversation arose out of the minutes, and other matters ordered by the annual meeting.

As to Rule 55, Bro. Benson's statement hereon was directed to be entered upon the minutes.

The Treasurer reported that he had invested in £500 Consols at 101, also that he had bought £100 Indian Four per Cents. at 107, for Mr. Wild's Gift.

After much earnest consideration of Magazine affairs, it was unanimously resolved:

"That Bro. Lockwood declining to act on Editorial Committee, and it being found impracticable to carry on the Magazine with so large a staff, this meeting resolves that the three acting editors, and the three other old members of the magazine committee, be affectionately requested to continue their services; and that the additional names appointed by the annual meeting be kept as a list of reserve."

A letter was read from Bro. A. R. Johnson containing the draft of proposed letter to Australian brethren, which was agreed to, and was as follows:

"To the President, Fathers, and Brethren of the Wesleyan Local Preachers' Association of Australia.

"Dear Brethren,-Your kind and fraternal greeting brought by our brother B. G. Berry, of Faversham, was duly presented by him at our Annual Meeting recently held in

Sheffield, and the expression of your kind interest in our work elicited the warmest gratitude.

"By the direction of the brethren then assembled, we write to assure you of our sincere appreciation of your affection, and that it is most cordially reciprocated.

"We rejoice to know that the same precious truths which are believed and prized by us, are also your consolation and stay; and though there may be varieties of expression, the same vital love to our common Saviour animates all our hearts.

66 We return our sincere thanks for your kind assurance that any brother removing from us to your colony would be warmly welcomed by you, and we may certainly say that any brother visiting what you are pleased to say some of you still call your 'Home,' would be most cordially received by us, and we would do our best to make his visit as pleasant as possible.

'Again assuring you of our affection and regard on behalf of the members of the Wesleyan Methodist Local Preachers' Mutual-Aid Association,

"We are, yours affectionately,

S. M. JOHNSON, President. GEORGE SIMS, Secretary." The monthly statement showed 50 new members, 5 members and 2 wives dead, 102 sick, and 166 annuitants. Income for the month £612 3s. 7d., payments £458 13s. 11d.

Income

since annual audit £831 5s. 7d., payments to branches £728 12s. 8d., various accounts £97 16s. 11d.

The Trustees were requested to sign the necessary authority for the Treasurer to receive the dividends by post.

A letter from Bro. Johnson, the President, regretting his absence, but he stated that he had started a new branch at Rotherham.

A letter regretting his absence was read from Bro. Capt. Smith.

Bro. Amphlett stated that a public meeting would be held at Faversham in the middle of October, to which he had been invited.

The next monthly meeting was fixed to be at our office, 24, Bedford Street, Strand, W.C., on Wednesday, September 14. Tea at half-past five. Bro. Amphlett closed the meeting with prayer at 8.45 p.m.

DEATHS.

July 4, 1881. Henry Potter, Crom. ford Branch, aged 81 years. He passed away to his reward in peace. No claim.

July 11. 1881. Theophilus Jelbert, St. Just Branch, aged 54 years. He bore a severe illness with great patience, and died resting alone on the Crucified One. Claim £6.

July 13, 1881. William Hulbert, Kingswood Branch, aged 62 years. No particulars. Claim £6.

July 16, 1881. William Jelbert, St. Just Branch, aged 85 years. His end was peace. He had been an annuitant 91 weeks, and received £22 15s. Claim £4.

July 19, 1881. Rhoda Cutting, Diss Branch, aged 64 years. Calmly resting on Jesus her Saviour. Claim £2.

July 20, 1881. Joseph Halden, Stafford Branch, aged 69 years. His death was very sudden, but he had a full assurance of "an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Claim £8.

Aug. 1, 1881. Lydia Lee, Thornley Branch, aged 59 years. It is said, "She died as she had lived, and she lived unto the Lord." Claim £4.

Aug. 5, 1881. Robert Ward, Holt Branch, aged 66 years. He had suffered much and long, yet his death was sudden. Happy in soul, he exclaimed, "I am going to be with Christ." Claim £5.