it every Sunday. They had known it from childhood. But it was as fuel which needed the spark to fire it. The truth converted them; but the influence which made the truth effectual was given at a different time from the teaching. one day draw the masses to Himself, and cause a new -THE LORD IS THERE! To pray for London, to give to London needs as bearing on those heathen, drunken, impure, and godless multi A SPECIAL RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT Thus all who work for God may be encour aged. They may preach many sermons with when earth shall "keep jubilee a thousand years." no obvious result; but the effect may appear long afterward. It shows also how God may Hess the feeblest instrumentality-how He may choose to work by the humblest means. An eloquent sermon is not needed; a prayer, a word, and a look may be used by Him to awaken conviction, to rouse to a flame the slumbering embers in the soul.-Newman Hall. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE AND NOTES OF THE MONTH. THE Council of the Popish church will have opened and perhaps closed its sessions at Rome before these pages can be in our readers' hands. The early date at which we go to press makes it impossible for us to publish any of the proceedings in our columns this month. Simultaneously with the preparations for this exhibition of the pretended Catholic unity, there has taken place an event in which we cannot but rejoice as a step towards the realization of that true evangelical unity, which exists in the spirit wherever there is a sincere follower of Christ, and which we expect one day to become visible and palpable over all the world. The reunion of the old and new school Presbyterians of the United States into one church is an event that, both for its own sake, and in what we may call its typical and predictive character, calls for recognition and thanksgiving from all who love the peace of God's Israel. LONDON. CHRISTIAN BENEFICENCE. CONTEMPORANEOUSLY with the autumnal season, which w23 remarkable for storm and rain, and in prospect of winter and its bitter severity, many godly and phil. anthropic persons have opened their hands wide to those that are ready to perish. The beneficent gifts bestowed have, as a rule, been anonymous; and in addition to this, there has evidently been a selection of institutions which unite piety with tender sympathies, and to these, many, if not the majority of the unknown givers, have sent their most seasonable benefactions. Has developed itself in connection with a portion of the and sin unto the love of God and our Lord Jesus We and after it there is a second address." Of such addresses a public writer says, "that his appeals, when urging his hearers to decide for Christ, were most pathetic and touching. They wou d have done credit to George Whitefield, John Wesley, or Father Hyacinthe." Penitents, being invited to the vestry, are prayed with, and instruction is given them. Mr. Body told them that he had no power in himself to absolve from sin. To Christ the sinner must look for pardon and peace. "My only wish," he added, "is to assist you on the road to peace with God, through Jesus Christ." While the Rev. Mr. Body seemed satisfied with an open-hearted subinission to Christ alone, and declared that absolution from sin came from Christ alone; at the church of Saint Alban's, Holborn-which is identi fied with the Rev. Mr. M'Conochie and his intensely ritualist practices, including the "elevation" and adoration of the host-was the closing scene of an ex traordinary description when the revival "mission" was about to terminate. A sermon having been preached, the 500 or 600 people who occupied the nave of the church were each furnished with a taper, lighted. As they stood with these in their hands, they solemnly renewed their baptismal vows. They then formed a procession down the centre aisles; and with incense, banners, and candles, some 300 women and 200 men marched round the church. The men and women at Saint Al There were also in some of the side-wings, screens provided by a wooden partition. After having presented themselves, they withdrew with the priest Christ." All this indicates fervour and earnestness. behind one of the pillars, and returned in a few minutes to their seats in the church. This was nothing It points to a change as to method in dealing with the else but a setting up of the confessional, as practised masses which is worthy of attention by all the London by apostate eastern churches and the Church of clergy and all ministers of Christ. "Effective preach-Rome. Similar hearing of confessions were held in the ers" were offered to each "parish priest" so as to carry other churches. out the design, and besides this, a frequent, if not daily celebration of the Eucharist was recommended. believe that every one of the clergy who have carried out the programme presented to them believe and teach the real bodily presence in the Eucharist, which necessarily implies THE MASS, or in other words the offering up by sacrificing priests of the body and blood of Christ, even as Romish and eastern churches do; and so, as blind guides, believe and propagate deadly error. Moreover, these men do not preach and teach the cardinal truth of "justification by faith only," as taught in the Articles of the Church of England, and as revived after a long night of darkness by Wycliffe, by Luther, by the English and Scottish reformers, and as the mighty power that has cast down heathen shrines in Madagascar, in China, in India, in the islands of the southern seas, and which has always been the only lever that has lifted up men of the vilest characters and habits to the consecration of heart and life to Him who broke their hard hearts and made all things new. While therefore we do believe that this effort was ban's, to each of whom a lighted taper had been given, stood, and following the "priest," solemnly renewed their baptismal vows. Having done so, they marched down the centre aisle, and finally each taper was extinguished! After this sensational performance-as arranged by the ritualistic priests-the motley gathering speedily left the church. While at first the provision of good was cheering to many, yet now that the "mission" is over, and presents itself as a whole to calm consideration, it is too plain that the tendency is to give a fresh impulse to superstition, and increase the power and influence of a class of men who hate evangelical truth. MEDICAL MISSION FOR LONDON. A number of gentlemen recently met in London for the purpose of hearing an address from Dr. Burns Thompson, the superintendent of the Edinburgh Medical Mission, and of adopting any course which might be deemed necessary. The chairman, H. M. Matheson, Esq., referred to the formation of the Medical Society thirty years ago, of which Dr. Thompson is now the representative. Dispensaries were afterwards opened, and the success and blessing To each of many institutions a donation of pressions have been made on hardened transgressors that have followed have been very remarkable in £1000 was bestowed by one person, who has successfully concealed his name. who have come into contact with this movement- -we Edinburgh, in China, in Madagascar, India, and Syria. At the approach of the Christmas holidays England Christian and Protestant ministers have such strong established in the metropolis in connection with mis seems to warm into pity and substantial aids to the poor. Very many noble enterprises, all dependent un the willinghood of God's dear children, each devoutly saying, "Of thine own have we given thee," testify to the reality of a heaven-born devotedness and zeal which in past generations were comparatively unknown. Every year adds to the number of ways and means available towards the noblest end. London, mighty London, as the bells ring out the old year and ring in the new, will embrace in its recognized area upwards of three millions of souls. Let all the children of God, far off and near at hand, pray earnestly for the purification of our population by the gospel, emI raced by living faith and trust in Him who is mighty to save, and whose infinite power and compassion will confidence in that apostolic message-repentance to- Dr. Thompson sionary districts now being formed. gave an interesting account of the early days and onward progress of his mission in Edinburgh among Roman Catholics and others. The first year he had 1300 patients; in the second the number had been increased to 3000; the third year it rose to 5000. He then brought the Word of God to bear upon their minds and hearts when visiting the dispensary as patients, of whom the number rose to 7000. At present 9000 separate individuals came annually, and these were composed of the very class with which home m'ssions had to deal. This great success as to benefit and healing to the sick poor was accompanied by fervent and prayerful zeal for their spiritual healing by the Doctor and his assistants. There was always each day the reading of the Scriptures and offering up prayer. The lowest classes crowded around to listen to the readings and the prayers offered. Romanists, infidels, and the very classes it would rejoice the heart of the home missionary to find access to, were daily at the missionary dispensary receiving instruction in those things that pertain to life everlasting. Both he and his associates occasionally visited a number of the homes of patients, and thus great spiritual good followed. Hearts were opened to the reception of the good seed. Special visits were made on the Lord's-day to persons whose cases were unusually serious. In this way they had access to hundreds of homes from which the ordinary missionary was shut out. The results of these visits were, that the medical man was not regarded as an intruder, but was welcomed as a benefactor and friend. It was, and is very cheering and remarkable, that in one year 400 Roman Catholic patients came voluntarily and cheerfully to listen to the Word of God. We are happy to record that Mr. H. Matheson has purchased a whisky shop for the establishment of a medical mission in the St. Giles' district, and among the lowest of the population. The mission will be carried out on catholic and evangelical principles. Why should there not be a medical mission in all the great towns and cities in the United Kingdom? RETROSPECTS AND PROSPECTS. When these lines shall appear in print to the multitudinous readers of the British Messenger, the Christmas season will have come and gone, and, it may be, that the new year shall have begun its career. May we not venture to entreat every one whose glance shall fall upon these pages to look back? Hast thou indeed been already saved from eternal wrath and ruin? Have you really been born again? If so, have you in the retrospect to mourn over much that was unfaithful, worldly, and evil? Are you only following Christ afar off? If so, your soul is not prosperous and in health. Go at once to Him who can and will heal your backslidings, receive you graciously, and forgive you freely. But if we address any young disciples whose hearts are all aglow with the fire and fervour of "first love," let them take heed lest they fall. To each of such converts early called we say, as a dying sister once said to ourselves, "FOLLOW ON TO KNOW THE LORD." But as to the openly wicked and vile, the worldly, the godless, the lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, look back, we beseech you, on wasted privileges, recall your unbelief, think of your many sins, and meditate with humility and faith on Christ and His claims on your loyalty and love. Lying prophets are teaching that hell-fire and everlasting punishment are not realities. Believe them not. As sure as heaven's joys are as endless as the living Christ is alive for evermore, as certainly will the smoke of the fiery wrath of the great Judge ascend up for ever and ever. Therefore delay not; let the dying year and new year's birth both solemnize your hearts and lead you to the cross of Jesus. "It is a fearful thing to be saved as by fire, to be plucked from the flame as a brand from the burning. But it must be a more fearful thing to be left in the flame, and not snatched from its devouring environment! "It will be awful to be seized upon by the flaming minister of the divine displeasure, and instead of being purged by it, from superficial defects, to have utterly to perish in your own corruption. May the great and loving God, in IIis infinite mercy, avert from you that terrible result! May the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts! May you repent and turn from all your transgressions, that so iniquity may not be your ruin !"* J. W. • Binney's Sermons, pp. 161, 162. IRELAND. DECLINING INFLUENCE OF THE PRIESTHOOD. THERE are many who find serious uneasiness in the unsettled state of Ireland: but while the landlords and farmers, and even bailiffs and auctioneers, are threatened with death, the faithful minister of Christ pursues his work in peace. In the most turbulent of our counties a Roman Catholic said the other day, "If all our parsons were like Parson- I wouldn't have much against them." Yet this "parson" is an earnest missionary clergyman; and the words conveyed something of the dislike and distrust with which even the priests are coming to be regarded. There are many Roman Catholics, not educated men only, but men of the people, who have much against their ministers, and who have lost that awe of their office that had formerly held them in subjection. Altar denunciations that were still a terror a few years ago are now rare in many parts of the south; and if spoken, they are apt to be treated with contempt, or publicly condemned as unwarrantable. The priest is plainly told to keep within his province. "Now, Father John, I want you to teach me religion and not politics." "I'm your priest, man, and you are bound to obey me in everything." "And what answer did you make?" said a by-stander. "I told him it was too late in the day to talk like that." Such an answer would be loudly applauded. Two of the most recent incidents show how singularly this once supreme priestly rule is on the wane. Tipperary has returned a Member against the combined efforts of the priesthood and the known desire of the cardinal: and after those who would support a Protestant medical officer were denounced from the altar, a Roman Catholic proposed him as the proper candidate, and protested against the insolence of the clergyman. Indeed, there are districts now where, in excitement, a priest's house runs as much chance of being sacked as another man's, and the office of police, with which the Roman Catholic clergy were credited by politicians, must be reckoned among offices abolished. It is quite true that the change is not yet universal, and that it is more noticeable in the south than in the west, where there is less independence of character. But it is important enough to attract attention and to produce among the ultramontane Romanists a genuine alarm. The earnestness and thoroughness with which Cardinal Cullen now denounces Fenianism, and concentrates attention upon it, instead of distributing his attack over every other real or imaginary grievance of the country, is a significant confirmation of this fear. It is proximately the Fenian and semi-revolutionary movement that has weakened priestly influence. The movement has spread beyond the hope of the priests to control it; and they shrink back in genuine terror from its consequences. Yet there is a cause farther back. Pointing to a national school, an intelligent man said the other day, "Them institutions have done more than anything else to teach us to think for ourselves." For years they seemed to produce little general enlightenment of opinion: but those were only years of waiting; and the harvest of freer thought that we are now reaping may itself explain the determined hostility of the Romish hierarchy to any but "Catholic schools." Yet the awakening of thought is but the means to a far greater end. The exaggerated influence of the priesthood is being steadily broken down; but it is a constructive agency that is wanted for the country. When the school is unloosing shackles that fettered and cramped thought, we recognize the more distinctly that unless this freedom makes room for the Bible, it will be abused, and that one enemy to the truth may only be exchanged for another. Irish Christians are keeping that steadily in mind; and while rejoicing over hindrances removed, they look for the sympathy and help of their fellow Christians, that they may take advantage of every opening for God's Word. THE IRISH CHURCHES. Nor are Irish churches acting unworthily in their critical position. Besides the calmness and sagacity hitherto characteristic of the disestablished church (and if at some recent meetings these were wanting, no doubt they will soon reappear), there is far greater cause to rejoice in the decided evangelical convic tions expressed at almost all the meetings of its members. Currents of thought that flow strongly in England seem to have scarcely reached here; and whatever differences there may be about voting by orders, and the separation of the bishops from the clergy, the great desire of the church is evidently that the gospel may be fully preached, and that everything in worship and discipline may be for the simpler setting out of Christ. If, in England, there is any longing for a union with the churches of the West and East, in Ireland the aspiration is for unity at home, and the unanimous resolution of one of the diocesan synods finds a wide response, "that we should desire to remove from the forms of the church anything which may give just ground of offence to our Protestant dissenting brethren, or prove a needless obstruction to the union of all who love the Lord Jesus, and who desire to promote a pure and spiritual worship." In the Presbyterian church, opinion is settling down in favour of the commutation of the regium donum, and a vigorous movement is spreading to raise a worthy sustentation fund. From present appearances the proposed £30,000 a year should present no great difficulty. Some congregations aim at raising as much as £700 or £800 a year, and in very many, as large an amount as the stipend paid to the minister is readily contributed. The wealthier and more liberal congregations contribute at the rate of six or seven times the proportion mentioned by the sustentation committee; and there is a fair prospect that, on the whole, the standard of a penny a week per communicant will be exceeded. It is both a people's and a popular move. ment: and one which is not likely to cramp other good works, but rather stimulate to them. The annual crusade against intemperance has been more joined in this year; and there are presbyteries where the spiritual work and life of the church are receiving far more of the attention that they claim. The 8th of December was appointed as a day for special religious service, and coinciding with the opening of the oecumenical council at Rome, it may be taken as a reply to the challenge there boldy flung down before Christendom. In one of the mission churches addresses were delivered on the eve of the council, upon "The Last Council [of Trent] and its Results," "The Present Council and its Objects," and "Our Duty to our Country.” DUBLIN MISSIONS. Reference has often been made to the good that is Here is a done by many faithful missions in Dublin. recent illustration from the Bible-women's Society. A young girl lost her mother when she was but thirteen, and was driven from home by a heartless father and stepmother. Attractive, easily flattered, and deserted, she soon fell, and became reckless and abandoned. Her worst companions even pointed to her as "fast," and her drunkenness was notorious. One example may be enough. She was discovered once upon the sands where she had flung herself down when the tide was out. She lay unconscious as it flowed in before a strong wind, and the waves were rolling over her when a sailor dragged her out. Unable to speak, she was driven off and laid, drenched as she was, in a cold cell, and slept her drunken sleep. Thus in cold and wet, in brawls and station-houses, in and out of hospital, she lived a few mad years till consumption set in. It was then that she was found. She did not linger long; but her last days were spent among faithful, "I intend to seek the Lord tender, Christian women. Jesus," she would say at first; "but I don't feel good enough to begin." Then, as the truth scized hold of Care Cast upon the Lord; by the Rev. J. Hall, her, she would exclaim, "Oh! my wicked life!" and ... The past year has been marked by sweeping changes, New Books. Around the Cross; by Nehemiah Adams, D.D. tractate. By the Son of the Kingdom, we at first RELIGIOUS POETRY. The Beauty of the Great King; by W. Poole Balfern prose. GIFT BOOKS FOR THE YOUNG. A Book for Grandchildren; by Grandfather Felix The Atonement; by the Rev. William Law (London: middle ones put their arms about his neck, and the Strahan & Co.) These two small works-one (and, if we mistake not, The first consists of brief addresses, embodying and luminously in that sense in which it has been The second (republished, we are sorry to see, under It can satisfy no conscience that is brought face to eldest stand close beside, in loving reverence, while Hodder & Stoughton have published the following Reconciled; or, The Story of Hawthorn Hall; by Edwin William Macintosh has published the last year's CORRESPONDENCE. DRESS. I TROUBLE you with an inquiry in reference to a sub- ject which often perplexes me.-The children of God are told to adorn themselves in modest apparel-with shamefacedness and sobriety, and not in costly array (1 Tim. xi. 9). Yet Christian women not only profess- ing but possessing godliness follow fashions that cause a bold appearance instead of a "shamefaced" one; they also wear costly array. Not only so; but this is justified as expedient by ladies who seem to have been honoured to bring hundreds to the feet of their How can these things be? Is it not practicable to dress as the apostle enjoins, and yet as ladies?-to fashions too costly for those who have so many pre- Lastly, what may be considered a right proportion STALEY BRIDGE.-A correspondent's letter dated from Literary communications, Books for review, &c., to be addressed to the Rev. WILLIAM TAYLOR, M. A., STIRLING. N.B. Business Letters and Orders for the Publications, with Stamps or Post-office Orders, TO BE ADDRESSED TO PETER DRUMMOND, STIRLING, N. B. Sums under 10s, may be remitted in Penny Postage Stamps - not Receipt Stamps. Specimens of the Publications, with Catalogues, sent post free. THE STIRLING LEAFLETS, for inclosure in letters. Printed on tinted paper. In sixpenny and threepenny packets. Packets Nos. I. II. and III. Any particular Leaflet can also be supplied separately Sixpence worth sent post free. THE STIRLING LETTER TRACTS. Neatly Printed on Tinted Paper. Nos. 1 to 12-Price 4d., 6d., and 8d. AND SENT POST FREE AT THEIR PUBLISHED PRICES. Sermons Preached in the King's Weigh house Chapel, Lon- s. d. don. By Rev. T. Binney. Cheap edition. Sermons Preached in Manchester. By Alexander Mac- laren. First and Second Series, Care Cast upon the Lord. By Rev. J. Hall, D.D., Memoir of the Late Rev. W. C. Burns, Missionary to China. Guthrie, D.D., and W. G. Blaikie, D.D., Studies of Character from Old Testament. By Thos. Guthrie, D.D. First and Second Series, Light and Truth; or, Bible Thoughts and Themes. The Acts and the Larger Epistles. By Rev. H. Bonar, D.D., The Martyrs of Spain and the Liberators of Holland; or, the Story of the Sisters Dolores and Costanza Cazalla,. Scenes and Incidents in the Life of the Apostle Paul. By The Life, Labours, and Writings of the Late Rev. Dr. The Close of the Ministry. Completing "The Life of our Lord." By Rev. 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A truthful picture of the travellers on both sides of TWELVE-PAGE TRACTS, price 3s. per 100, post free. 629. Life's Journey; An Old Story. The story of Abraham's journey to the Promised Land presented as a pattern and encouragement to tra vellers to the heavenly Canaan. 641. Who is this King of Glory? Price sixpence per packet, or sent post free for others on their way. We append a form of bequest, An Illustrated Religious Paper, suitable for circulation amongst Sabbath Scholars, and general distribution. Parcels of 18, Price Sixpence, or Monthly for One Year, 63.; 36, Price 18., or for One Year, 128., and upwards, AN ASSORTED PACKET, containing copies of any or all of the above Publications, will be sent, if preferred. For ex- ample, a Monthly Packet, containing two British Messengers, Mr. W. B. Stephens, Bookseller, 15 Col- Mr. T. M. Buzzard, 181 Bourke Street East. NELSON, New Zealand.-Mr. Jonah Ashburn. OXFORD, Canterbury, New Zealand.-Mr. John H. Ralfe. SINGAPORE.-Rev. B. P. Keasberry. SYDNEY, N.S. W.-Mr. John Sheriff, Wynyard Square. Mr. G. R. Addison, Pitt Street. I, A. B., do hereby give and bequeath to the "Stirling Tract Enterprise," established by Peter Drummond, seedsman, Stirling, the sum of duty and all expenses; and I hereby direct and appoint my executors to pay the same to the said Peter Drummond, or to the Trustees who may succeed him in the management IN AID OF GRATUITOUS CIRCULATION OF PUBLICATIONS CONNECTED WITH THE STIRLING TRACT ENTERPRISE. Received during November, 1869. The following per Rev. J. MORRISH, Travelling Secretary:— Mr. A. Hodgson, Liver- Miss Thomson, Love- 2 Notes for Ministers, A Prayer meeting on the top of Snowdon, A Soft Answer turneth Castles in the Air, The Bible's Historical Ac- curacy, PETER DRUMMOND, STIRLING. THE ROBBERY. "Will a man rob God?" (Mal. iii. 8). heard many years ago. NEW SERIES.-No. 98.-FEBRUARY 1, 1870. Price 1d. "Heaven bless and reward you," was the he saw John's wife put the shilling into answer; "I'm a made man: God will the tea-cup; and waiting till all were and stole the workman's last shilling. LET me tell a story of a robbery which I bless you for helping the starving." He sound asleep, he got through the window, tied the six shillings in the corner of a ragged handkerchief, and walked briskly away. A labouring man was coming home from his work on a frosty Saturday night. He had paid a small debt or so in the The workman pursued his way home village, and as he put his hand into his with an honest glow of pleasure in his pocket and jingled his seven remaining heart: he had saved a fellow-creature shillings, their silvery chink pleasantly from starvation, perhaps from suicide: he reminded him of all the comforts which would willingly do without his little comthey represented. As he trudged along, he forts: but his wife-well, he did not know was overtaken by a ragged, half-starved- what to think about her; women never ooking man, who asked if he might keep liked to go without their tea. "Howhim company, and soon began to tell the ever," he fingered his remaining shilling, story of his troubles,-how ho had a."I've a trifle left for her." He arrived wife and starving little ones at home; at home, and found his supper ready and how work was so scarce in his native hearth swept up, and he turned over in place that he had travelled from town to his mind how he should break to his wife town, sleeping under hedges and in barns, that he had only one shilling for her and living upon the crusts which the kind instead of seven. "Wife," said he at farmers gave him; how he had utterly length, after sitting thoughtfully by the failed in his endeavours to get work, and fire, "wife, hand me down the Book. was finding his way back to his wife and Where is it somewhere in the Acts of family, that they might lie down and die the Apostles-where it says, 'It is more together. Our workman looked with blessed to give than to receive?"" "Well, compassion on his starving comrade, and John, and so it is," said she, "I'd rather jingled his money in his pocket. The give to a poor, starving creature any day, sound soon attracted the attention of the than spend it on myself." "That's right, hungry man. He stopped, and laying my lass; now I can tell you what I've his hand on the workman's arm, said done. I've only one shilling to-night, for solemnly, "Mate, you have money, II gave six to a poor starving man; and have none; a few shillings which you can spare would send me home fed and comforted, with strength to work. O, help me; for the day may come when you will want help yourself!" Our workman was not proof against an appeal from a starving comrade. Putting his hand into his pocket, he drew out all that was there, and the seven shillings glittered in the moonlight as they lay upon his broad palm. "This," said he, "is all that I've got. I've paid my rent, it's true, and squared up with the shops; but if you have it, I must go without my 'bacca, and wife without her tea-but there! you're starving; I'll give you six of the shillings and keep one for myself." What black ingratitude! can any punishment be severe enough for such a thief? The act of stealing from any person is bad enough; to steal from a benefactor is worse; but to steal the last coin from a poor man who has given you the rest of his little all, is worse still,-0 blackest actions which can disgrace human nature. -one of the May I not say to some who shall read this, "Thou art the man," "Thou art the woman?" God has divided our time into seven days. He has said to us, "Here are six days, take them, and use them in your daily work; I give them to you: but one day I keep for myself, it is called by my name; that one day must be used in my service, used for your soul's welfare; and if, either secretly or openly, you use it for other purposes, you are a robber." Reader! is the black ingratitude which you have condemned, yours? Have you taken the six days which God has given you, used them for your own work and your own pleasure, and, not content with this, have you defrauded him of the last? "Will a man rob God? yet ye have robbed me." It is heart-rending, indeed, to walk through some of the streets of London on the Lord's-day. The bells are sounding calling worshippers to God's house; but they are drowned by the loud "Buy! what A few hours later the fire was out, and will you buy?" of the butchers, the cries the little family were sound asleep; the of the costermongers, the trampling to remaining shilling having been put by and fro of people bound on business or John's wife, for safety, into a cracked tea-pleasure. Perhaps you say this is too cup on the kitchen mantle-piece. But what of the starving man? This, reader, is the sad part of my story. He coveted the remaining shilling; and although he appeared to walk away, yet he tracked the workman home. He heard the conversation and saw the blessed book opened, yet he turned not from his wicked purpose. He chuckled with satisfaction as so we must do without our little comforts strong a picture. I thank God that in some of the northern parts of our island there is more respect, at least outward respect, for the Sabbath. Long may this barrier be kept up! long may crowds of worshippers wend their way between closed shutters to their places of worship! But God asks something more. desireth truth in the inward parts. He |