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Next came the Sabbath. With the break of day one could scarcely. help using the words of the poet, "A day of rest and gladness," &c. We made our way to Buckland Chapel, where we heard Rev. Richard Green. Text, Job xxvi. 14, a most instructive and profitable sermon. In the evening we went to the chapel in Snargate Street. The same preacher. Text, John x. 17, 18. All we shall say of Mr. Green is: he is a preacher of rare ability, and one whom any circuit may justly esteem. We only notice one other place of interest out of many which might engage the attention of a visitor, viz. "The Admiralty Pier." It is a massive structure, the face of which is built of Cornish granite, behind which are large blocks of concrete, formed of shingle, sand, and cement. It was commenced in October, 1847. It is 700 yards in length, and preparations are now almost completed for fixing, at the far end, two large turret guns of eighty tons each. To visitors it is a delightful and much frequented spot. On the west side there is a promenade extending the entire length of the pier, said to be unequalled in the kingdom as a marine promenade. It provides a safe landing place in all states of the tide. The Indian, Australian, and Continental mails, with all the passenger traffic, find it a safe place both for landing and embarkation. Twice, however, within a few years this massive structure has been partially destroyed by the violence of the wind and waves. Great blocks of stone, weighing it is said more than fifty tons, were lifted from their place by the force of the sea, and entirely swept away.

Such are a few of the things which we have seen in Dover, or learned from those with whom we have conversed. Were we to attempt a description of the whole, it would be necessary to write a book, which we have no intention of doing. To any one who has a desire to know more of so interesting a place we would say, "Come and see."

G. S.

Passing Ebents.

THE saddest recent event, as being almost universally deplored, is the death of General Garfield. After long lingering his robust constitution at length succumbed to the wounds inflicted by the wretched assassin. The world has perhaps never before known so general an expression of heartfelt sympathy as has been manifested toward the bereaved widow and family of the deceased President of the United States. A large fund is being raised for the benefit of Mrs. Garfield and her family, but no money can repair the loss sustained. It

seems indeed a pity that an honourable and upright man should become the subject of spite and malice through being raised to the most exalted position in which a nation of fifty millions of people could place him. One result of the sad calamity will doubtless be to foster a friendly feeling between England and the great American Republic.

ACCORDING to a report given in the Daily Telegraph, Sir Edward Baines has been saying some very telling words on the subject of alcohol. In opening a meeting of the Congregational Total Abstinence Association at Manchester, Sir Edward described alcohol as "a deceiver and

a curse to mankind; a mocker, a snare, and a tyrant; a corrupter of youth, a disturber of families and communities; a destroyer of health, strength, and reason; a cruel scourge to the gentler sex, and most of all when it brings them into its bondage; the deadly enemy of religion, and the parent or nurse of every vice and sin. Oh! the imagination cannot, with its electric speed, keep pace with the streams thus poured upon us day after day, year after year, century after century, and covering with their fire and brimstone so much that is fairest and holiest in the country. Strong drink, in the smallest quantities, has a tendency to spread like flames of sulphur running along the ground."

The

THE twenty-first annual Church Congress was opened on October 4th at Newcastle-on-Tyne. The Bishop of Durham, as President, delivered the opening address to a crowded audience in the Town Hall. Bishop expressed his concern as to the religious condition of the masses as follows: "Who can contemplate without awe the vast masses of our unevangelised, uncivilised fellow-countrymen, which the conditions of modern life have herded together, only to remove them further and further from the control of the

Gospel ?" Speaking in the evening meeting on "Secularism," the Archbishop of York said: " Shame upon us, if, with foes around us in their stern array, closing hourly in, we are sitting idle." Concern may well be expressed as to the religion of the people. In taking the religious census of Newcastle on October 2nd there were not so many persons actually attending places of worship as when the census was taken thirty years ago; whilst at the same time the population has increased from 87,000 to 149,000.

THE Congregational Union of England and Wales has just had its meeting in the Free Trade Hall, Manchester. The Rev. Dr. H. Allon, of London, delivered the opening address, his subject being, "The Church of the Future," and he gave an eloquent exposition of what was needed in the

future of the Church of Christ. "The first essential in the maintenance of a true Christian life was a fundamental distinction between Divine ordinances and human circumstances, which in practical Christian life were continually getting mixed. The future would be with the Church which had the greatest moral force. The future, it was also clear, would be with the Church which most fully recognised the responsibilities and prerogatives of the individual religious man. The Church of the future would also be that Church which in its ministry, within and without,made a requisition, not merely on its official ministers or recognised agencies, but upon the individual services of its entire membership."

By Methodists of all sections the Ecumenical Conference at City Road Chapel has been regarded with interest. Many of the papers read were upon subjects of especial interest, and during the twelve days of the sittings of the Conference the greatest friendliness and harmony prevailed. A hallowed feeling evidently pervaded the meetings, and especially so on some of the occasions; and varied good will doubtless follow. One beneficial effect of the gathering must arise from the fact of the coloured members of the Conference being so heartily and fraternally received and regarded. That their piety and ability rendered them worthy of such consideration was evident. A truly English spirit, like the Gospel of Jesus Christ, knows no difference because of the colour of the skin. Friendly meetings on a grand scale have already followed in some of the large provincial towns.

WITH the harvest over, and the winter season at hand, we would remind our friends of the efforts which will be needed to meet the wants of the afflicted, aged, and needy brethren receiving help from our funds. Let us especially not forget the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto Me."

Literary Notices.

A Manual of Methodism and of Wesleyan Polity. By HENRY R. BURTON. London: Hodder and Stoughton. Post 8vo. Cloth. 67 pages. Price 1s.

THIS Manual, in its opening pages, gives a summary of the great Methodist Family, being similar to that given at the Ecumenical Conference. The writer, after this, confines himself to the usages and polity of what is generally called the Old Body; and, as far as we can judge, it is a very fair and just account.

Le

Nouveau Testament de Notre Seigneur Jesus Christ. London: Elliot Stock. 16 mo. 126 pages. Price one penny.

THIS is a marvel of cheapness; for, in addition to the letter-press, here are sixteen woodcuts; and the printing is well done by Clowes & Co. A French Testament for one penny!

Le Voyage du Chretien. Par J. Bunyan. London: Elliot Stock. Post 8vo. 162 pages. Price 5d. THIS is the first part of Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" in a French dress, illustrated by 170 striking woodcuts. It is well printed on good paper; and, as far as the translation goes, a lady friend of ours conversant with the French language, to whom we submitted it, says it is faithfully done.

Both of these books will be very suitable to place in the hands of a young person who is studying the French language. We knew a man who, before his conversion, could not read. After his conversion, his principal lesson-book, when he had learned to put letters together, was "The Pilgrim's Progress."

The Church System of Studying and Teaching Sunday School Lessons. By the REV. A. H. MUNRO. London: John Walker & Co., 96, Farringdon Street, E.C.

A NICELY got up little book, in limp cloth, gilt edges, fcap. 8vo, 44 pages. Why don't publishers give the price of their books? From the

number of pages our readers will see that it is a small book, but certainly it is a valuable one. It would prove useful to our local preachers, as well as to Sunday School teachers, if they would study it.

The Preacher's Analyst, August. One Leading Sermon, a Sermonette, Several Outlines of Sermons, Reviews and other articles. 28 pages. Price 4d.

The People's Pocket-Book: The Constitution of Comprehensionism as the Guide for the Right. Drafted by F. J. WILSON. London: H. Cattell & Co. Stiff covers. 48 pages. Price 18.

INCOMPREHENSIBLE to the reviewer. Henry Moorhouse, the English Evangelist. By JOHN MACPHERSON. London: Morgan & Scott, Post 8vo, Cloth. 144 pages. Price 2s. 6d. THE life of a sincere earnest man who, when he heard the voice of the Master, forsook all and followed Him, in preaching the Gospel both in this country and America; and his labours were crowned with great success. Ruth the Moabitess: Bible Readings on the Book of Ruth. By HENRY MOORHOUSE. Fcap. 8vo. Stiff 64 pages. Price 6d. THIS little book contains specimens of our evangelist's mode of addressing the people. As an expositor we cannot say he is to our taste. Both of the books are well got up; paper, printing, and binding good.

covers.

The Biblical Museum: A Collection

of Notes Explanatory, Homiletic, and Illustrative of the HOLY SCRIPTURES, especially designed for the use of Ministers, Bible-students, and Sunday School Teachers. By JAMES COMPER GRAY. Old Testament, Vol. x., containing Daniel and the Minor Prophets. London: Elliot Stock. Post 8vo. Roxburgh binding. 384 pages. The work is now complete in 15 vols. Price 5s. each. Any vol. may be had of Philip Parker, 24, Bedford Street, Strand, post free, at the published price.

WHATEVER was the case in days past, publishers do not now expect that

the whole of the books they send to editors are read by them. It is enough if a favourable notice is given. Is it likely that Mr. Spurgeon has read the forty-five volumes he notices in this month's (October) "Sword and Trowel?" We can only say that, for ourselves, we read the books sent us if we find them worth reading. That has been the case with THE BIBLICAL MUSEUM. One of the volumes is constantly on our table, and is the first book we take up for our morning reading; and we always take it up with pleasure and lay it down with profit to mind and heart. We have now on our table Vol. IV., Kings and Chronicles. As a commentary, it is not only explanatory but ILLUSTRATIVE. In this last respect it is, in our opinion, at the head of all commentaries. Invaluable to local preachers.

It may be briefly described as a commentary on the Scriptures on an entirely new and original plan, the object being to place in the hands of the reader the latest results of modern scholarship in exposition of the Bible; the best and most appropriate illustrative matter, and the most Homiletic Analysis of each text in the most condensed form; and accessible at the lowest possible price consistent with the vast outlay that the production of the work has necessarily involved.

The notes consist of eight kinds; as follows: 1. Brief and suggestive critical and explanatory hints. 2. Outlines of sermons. 3. Illustrations, authentic anecdotes, illustrative quotations. 4. A key to the subject of each text. 5. Scripture references and parallel passages. 6. Names of authors quoted. 7.Archæological notes, and the etymology of old Bible words. 8. Aphorisms and quotations, classical and modern.

In addition to these different classes of Notes, each book of the New Testament is prefaced by a condensed Introduction, giving some account of its author, date, credibility, peculiarities, &c., and synopses of its contents.

The many features of the BIBLICAL MUSEUM, and the vast amount of material in aid of Scripture study contained in its pages, may be thus summarised:

Critical and explanatory notes on every verse throughout the Bible. 12,000 outlines of sermons by the leading preachers of all ages and all countries.

12,000 illustrations and anecdotes in elucidation of the Scriptures.

21,000 marginal quotations on a vast variety of subjects, in illustration of the Scripture truths.

More than 36,000 Scripture references explanatory of the Sacred Text. 6,000 authors quoted and referred to as providing additional help and suggesting further reading.

Poetry.

THE HOUSEHOLD JEWELS.

A TRAVELLER, from journeying
In countries far away,
Re-passed his threshold at the close
Of one calm Sabbath day;
A voice of love, a comely face,
A kiss of chaste delight,
Were the first things to welcome him
On that blest Sabbath night.

"I have a question now to ask

Of thee, my husband dear:
A stranger, one auspicious morn,
Did send some jewels here;
Until to take them from my care,

But yesterday he came,
And I restored them with a sigh:

-Dost thou approve, or blame?"

"I marvel much, sweet wife, that thou
Shouldst breathe such words to me;
Restore to man, resign to God,
Whate'er is lent to thee;

Restore it with a willing heart,
Be grateful for the trust;

Whate'er may tempt to try us, wife,
Let us be ever just."

She took him by the passive hand,

And up the moonlit stair,

She led him to their bridal bed,
With mute and mournful air;
She turned the cover down, and there,.
In grave-like garments dressed,
Lay the twin children of their love,
In death's serenest rest.

"These were the jewels lent to me,
Which God has deigned to own;
The precious caskets still remain,
But, ah, the gems are gone;
But thou didst teach me to resign
What God alone can claim;
He giveth and He takes away,
Blest be His holy name!"

When the sad sire had looked his fill,
He veiled each breathless face,
And down in self-abasement bowed,
For comfort and for grace;
With the deep eloquence of woe,
Poured forth his secret soul,
Rose up, and stood erect and calm,
In spirit healed and whole.

"Restrain thy tears, poor wife "he said,
"I learn this lesson still:
God gives, and God can take away,
Blest be His holy will!
Blest are my children, for they live,
From sin and sorrow free,
And I am not all joyless, wife,

With faith, hope, love, and thee."

Phenomena of the Months.

NOVEMBER.

THE sun rises on the 1st at fifty-five minutes after six, and sets at thirtytwo minutes after four. On the 30th he rises at forty-four minutes after seven, and sets at fifty-four minutes after three. The day shortens fortynine minutes in the morning, and thirty-eight minutes in the evening, or one hour twenty-seven minutes during the month.

The moon is full on the 4th at three minutes after two in the morning. New moon 21st at twenty-one minutes after four in the afternoon. She is nearest the earth on the 25th, and most distant from it on the 13th. She is near Saturn on the 5th, Jupiter on the 6th, Mars on the 10th, and Venus and Mercury on the 20th.

Mercury transits or crosses the sun's disc on the 7th and 8th; the first contact will be at sixteen minutes after ten p.m. on the 7th, and the last at thirty-two minutes after three a.m. on the 8th, invisible from England. He sets at sunset on the 7th, and after that day sets in daylight. He rises at sunrise on the 6th, fifty-seven minutes before the sun on the 27th. He is at the least distance from the sun on the 12th.

Venus is a morning star, rising twenty-eight minutes after two on the 7th, and fifty-eight minutes after one on the 27th.

Mars rises on the 6th at three hours fourteen minutes after sunset. On the 26th two hours sixteen minutes after sunset.

Jupiter rises on the 6th fifteen minutes after sunset, and after the 11th he rises in daylight. He sets at sunrise on the 14th, and one hour thirty minutes before sunrise on the 28th.

Saturn rises on the 3rd at about the time of sunset, and after this in daylight. He sets at sunrise on the 2nd, and two hours forty-five minutes before sunrise on the 28th.

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

Eclipse of the sun on Nov. 21, invisible at Greenwich. It begins at thirteen minutes after two p.m., mean time at Greenwich, in longitude 137 degrees W. of Greenwich, and latitude 26 degrees S., and ends at forty-nine minutes after six p.m.. in longitude 1 degrees E. of Greenwich, and latitude 23 degrees S. NOTEWORTHY EVENTS, NOVEMBER. George Peabody died on the 4th, Gunpowder plot, 5th, 1605. Prince of Wales born on the 9th, 1841. Martin Luther born on the 10th, 1483. Princess Royal born on the 21st, 1840.

1869.

MUSIC IN NATURE.

IN deep of night, when drowsiness
Hath lock'd up mortal sense, then listen
To the celestial syren's harmony,
That sit upon the nine infolded spheres,
And sing to those that hold the vital
shears,

And turn the adamantine spindle round, On which the fate of gods and men is wound.

Such sweet compulsion doth in music lie,
To lull the daughters of Necessity,
And keep unsteady Nature to her law,
And the low world in measur'd motion
draw

After the heavenly tune, which none can hear

Of human mould, with gross unpurged ear. MILTON.

It is not the height to which men are advanced, that makes them giddy; it is the looking down with contempt. upon those below them.

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