"Struck with the beauty of a young girl in one of the carriages (in the streets of London), I watched," says the Sun in the allegory, "as she alighted; and soon afterwards, peeping in at the window of her bedroom, I caught sight of her once more. She had thrown herself on a couch, unheeding her rich ball-dress. She took off hastily a costly pearl necklace, and half throwing it from her, she said, 'And this is what is called happiness? This a life of pleasure? O that I had never entered this city, never mingled in these scenes! Father, mother, can you look down from heaven and see your child now-for days my Bible unopened, my knees never unbent in prayer! How true it is, "ye cannot serve two masters." I have tried to do so, and know now that it is impossible. O to feel as I used to feel, to pray as I used to pray!' And covering her face with her hands, she wept bitterly. The tears did her good, for they were tears of repentance. It is no use to say, that I only live as those I live with do. I do worse, for I know it is wrong; and truly it is all vanity and vexation of spirit.'"

The Children's Hour Annual. Second Series. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co. WITHOUT being able to homologate every form of expression, where the matter and the authorship is so varied, we can say that it delights us to find this handsome volume filled with matter so much calculated to exert the best influence on the minds of the young, and on their conduct in relation to God and to man-to things temporal, spiritual, and eternal. The writers are in a remarkable degree qualified for the work in which they are engaged; and the best talents are well employed in labour so eminently fitted to promote the well-being of society, domestic, ecclesiastical, and civil. The publishers are acting as public benefactors in being at so much expense and care to furnish families, at such small cost, monthly, with this storehouse of valuable provision, fitted to promote the best interests of the old as well as the young.

Twelve Illustrated Books: Wise Sayings and Stories to explain them. of the Children's Hour. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co. Books.

By M. H. Editor Series of Reward

We have before us a parcel of Reward Books, consisting of twelve tiny volumes. We have read the majority of them, and think that they are eminently adapted for the object for which they are intended. The matter is not only such as is calculated to entertain the young, but also in all cases to exert a salutary influence in encouraging well-doing, and dissuading from wrong in any form. Religion and the Bible are ever commended; and some special lesson is so inculcated as to render it highly probable that it will find a permanent lodgment in the mind of the young reader.

Little Tales for Little People. A Packet of Presentation Books, Illustrated. Edinburgh Johnstone, Hunter, & Co.

THIS packet contains six little volumes so filled as to merit the same meed of commendation given to those of the packet referred to above; and no more is necessary.

The Water Weeds; or Marvels of Pond Life. By Mona B. Bickerstaffe. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co.

Or those who go down to the sea in ships, we are told that they see God's wonders in the deep; and again, that in the sea there are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. The shores of the ocean are found teeming with life. But few think of the wonders of varied kinds of living creatures which have a home in the ponds that are situated in the neighbourhood of our country homes. In this little interesting book, however, we are introduced to a wide field of wonders in the works of God, even in ponds and ditches, which will amply repay perusal by the old as well as the young.

We are all familiar with the house-spider; but here we have a striking description of the mode of life by which the water-spider is distinguished, and many other equally overlooked and neglected specimens of Divine workmanship.

"The Argyronica aquatica, or diving water-spider, resides in standing water, in which it swims with the abdomen encased in a bubble of air, and in which it forms for its retreat an oval cell, filled with air, and formed of silk, from which threads proceed to the different adjacent plants in all directions. Here it devours its prey, constructs its egg-case, which it carefully guards, and passes the winter, having first closed up the cell."

There is not a creature that lives and moves on this earth, in the instincts given to which-for procuring food, for the continuance of its species, and warding of danger-there are not wonders of the wisdom and goodness of God to be seen, and (though in many cases beyond our scrutiny) that does not fulfil its end in the one grand economy of the universe; and may not be sought out with more or less profit by those who have pleasure in these researches.

Memoir of the Late Rev. Peter Carmichael, Greenock. (From the Reformed Presby terian Witness, September, 1867).

THIS pamphlet contains well written and very interesting memorials of the life, labours, and latter end of a faithful witness and vigilant servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, who was highly esteemed by those who knew him best, and who could appreciate his Christian worth and zeal in behalf of the cause of truth and righteousness. The writer of this memoir had the best opportunities of knowing the character of one whom we may call our departed friend, and he has executed his task well.

I. The Testimony: a Sydney Periodical.

II. Token of the Covenant; or the Subjects, the Mode, and the Nature and Design of Baptism. By Rev. William M'Intyre, A.M. Price One Shilling. Maitland, Maclaurdy, Printers and Publishers. 1861.

III. The Christian Sabbath: the Duty and Manner of Keeping it Holy. By William M'Intyre, A.M. Sydney: Printed by W. H. Levey, 3, Queen's Place. 1866.

IV. Objections to the Unions, chiefly from the point of view of the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia. By the Rev. William M'Intyre, A.M. Sydney: D. Mason & Co. General Machine Printers, Queen's Place.

THE author of the publication stated above is doing good service in defence of Bible principle in the rapidly rising colony of New South Wales.

The Testimony is a periodical conducted for two years past in defence of Free Church principles, without the countenance of the Church in Scotland in the standards of which these principles are contained. This may seem mysterious; but it is one of the mysteries of the great Union movement, whose shadow was cast before in the treatment given to the witnessing brethren in Australia by their brethren at home.

The Token of the Covenant is a very able and concise discussion of the Baptist controversy, in all its branches. It contains one of the most satisfactory, and we think unanswerable vindications of Infant Baptism we have seen. A republication of it in a popular form might do good service in confirming the faith of the advocates of Infant Baptism and opening the eyes of the opponents of this.

The Christian Sabbath is a well written treatise on a subject of paramount importance to the well-being of the Church and of society.

Objections to the Unions, is an exposure of the latitudinarian principles on which the Unions among Presbyterians in Australia have been formed; and contains another instance of the tendency of these Unions to an increased relaxation of Scriptural discipline.

Our Home Mission.

EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF MR. STIRLING, MISSIONARY,

POLLOCKSHAWS.

September 2.-T. M- a young man, married and has a small family. Lives in an attic apartment, the very appearance of which bespeaks misery. There is little or no furniture in the place, and anything he has is of the meanest description. Comfort seems to be a thing unknown. Entered into conversation with him, and found him grossly ignorant of the simplest Bible truths. He also manifested a spirit of the atmost indifference about them. Put several questions to him bearing on his state before God, and his prospects for eternity, but he remained quite unmoved and seemed indisposed to give any answers. Engaged in prayer with him, and invited him to attend the meeting.

September 23.-T. D—, a boy about 16 years of age, whom I met in one of the houses I regularly visit. Said he did not belong to this neighbourhood; had only been a short time at school previous to his mother's death, and could read very little : had never been at a prayer meeting; never heard that he was born in sin; knows nothing about the Lord Jesus Christ; in short, seems unacquainted with everything except what relates to his daily employment. Took occasion to set before him the elementary truths of the Christian religion, in which he seemed deeply interested. Invited him to come to the meeting.

October 9.-Was requested to visit an old woman who was seemingly on the bed of

death. Called and had a short interview with her. Spoke to her about death, but she seemed unwilling to entertain the idea that she was dying. Told her that, whether living or dying, the great business of life was to prepare for death. She said she knew she was a sinner and deserving of punishment; but that she had never felt the power of sin or the fear of punishment as she ought. Urged her to breathe the prayer, "Lord, give me a sight of myself." Quoted some of the precious invitations of Christ to poor, heavy-laden sinners. Engaged in prayer and promised to call back. Called the following week and found her much weaker, evidently nearing the gates of death. She now felt conscious that her end was near. She had no desire to get better. Her language was, "I have laid everything connected with this world aside, and am quite resigned to the Lord's will." Asked if she could say with Job, "I know that my Redeemer liveth," to which she replied, "Sometimes I feel as if I could say that, but I have many doubts and fears." Told her not to be discouraged on that account, as some of the most eminent saints have experienced perplexing doubts about their state in the sight of God. Repeated part of Christ's farewell discourse to his disciples, and several encouraging promises. She said she was quite comforted now, and felt as she had never done before. With the man whose eyes the Lord opened she could say, "One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." Engaged in prayer with her, and then bade her farewell as I believed her end was approaching. Called a few days later, and learned that she was dead. The silver cord was loosed, the spirit had returned to God who gave it.

October 18.-Mrs, a Papist. Was warmly received. Entered into conversation with her, during which we called her attention to some of the fundamental doctrines of our religion. She earnestly conversed with us on Divine things, expressed her gratitude for the visit, and invited us to visit her again.

November 9.-M. C—, a young woman whom I found in house alone. Her sad countenance indicated that her heart was filled with sorrow. Asked why she thus felt. At first she seemed unwilling to state the real cause of her grief. After conversing with her for a short time, she acquainted me with her distressing circumstances. She was in a bad state of health, and her medical adviser had plainly informed her that recovery was hopeless. She was afraid to die. Her numerous and aggravated sins, like a mighty burden, pressed heavily upon her. She was alarmed at the thought of confronting the Great Judge. Pointed her to Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose blood cleanseth from all sin. She felt that she was a great sinner, and could not see how her transgressions could be forgiven. Reminded her that Christ was a great Saviour-one able and willing to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. Repeated some of the precious promises and invitations of the gospel, to which she listened with great attention and earnestness. Engaged in prayer. Gave her a tract, and promised to call again. Called the following week, and found her still in a state of melancholy, destitute of true peace of mind. Addressed her in suitable terms. She appeared anxious to hear about Jesus and the way of salvation through him. Read a portion of Scripture, and this seemed to afford her great comfort. Engaged in prayer, after which she expressed her thankfulness for the visit. This proved to be my last conversation with this person, for on calling at her house on the Sabbath following, I learned that she had gone the way of all the earth. Ascertained that she had been longing much for her departure, and that she was anxious to be with Christ. To a friend she said that she was "going home," and that she could now say with the Apostle, "There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."

POLLOCKSHAWS ANNUAL MISSION MEETINGS.

THE usual Mission Meeting, beld at the close of the Autumn Communion, took place on the evening of Wednesday, the 30th October last. The Rev. William B. Gardiner, pastor of the congregation, occupied the chair. After devotional exercises had been conducted by the Rev. James Smellie, Edinburgh, the Chairman offered a few remarks bearing on the object for which the meeting had been convened, and showed the

urgent necessity for united, continued, and increased exertions in prosecuting missionary operations in the neighbourhood. Mr. Stirling then gave an account of his labours in the various districts which he statedly visits. He stated that the attendance at the different. meetings was keeping up, the following being the average number present during the quarter ending in October :-Sabbath evening, 46; Monday night, 26; Wednesday evening, 25; and Thursday evening, 19. Several interesting extracts were read from the missionary's journal, and some account given of the manner in which the missionary is received by the non-church going portion of the population, and by the Papists. The Rev. Mr. Smellie next addressed the meeting on the importance of labouring unweariedly in the great work to which we had been called-a work which had been so auspiciously commenced in this locality, so successfully carried on, and for the continuance of which there was such strong encouragement. The speaker pointed out a variety of ways in which all God's professing people, young and old, could take part in this noble, philanthropic, and truly Christian enterprise. He also mentioned some facts of a very cheering kind, calculated to prevent us from being wearied in well-doing, or thinking that we had already done enough for our Lord. On the motion of Mr. Johnston, seconded by Mr. Howie, a cordial vote of thanks was given to Mr. Smellie for favouring us with his presence and seasonable address. The meeting was closed by the Chairman pronouncing the benediction.

Ecclesiastical Intelligence.

THE PRESBYTERY OF AYR.

AT a meeting of the Ayr Presbytery of United Original Seceders, held on the 24th September last, there was laid on the table, and read, a unanimous call to Mr James Patrick, preacher of the gospel, from the congregation of Dromore, Ireland. The call was sustained as a regular gospel call. As there was another call to Mr Patrick lying on the table from the congregation of Kilmarnock, the Presbytery agreed to summon both congregations to appear by their Commissioners at next meeting, when it was resolved to adjudicate upon the calls. Accordingly, at a meeting of Presbytery held on the 23d October, Commissioners from Kilmarnock and Dromore were present, and gave in reasons of preference in support of their respective calls. Mr. Patrick, who was also present, had an opportunity given him of expressing his mind, when, after a lengthened statement, he intimated his preference for the call from the congregation of Dromore. The Presbytery afterwards gave judgment in the case, and unanimously agreed that the call from Dromore be preferred. On its being presented to Mr. Patrick, he cordially accepted the same, and the Presbytery prescribed to him subjects of trial for ordination.-At another meeting of Presbytery held on the 24th November, a petition for a moderation from the congregation of Kilmarnock was laid on the table and granted; and the moderation appointed to take place on the 7th of January, 1868.

BURSARY COMPETITION.

THE Competition for three bursaries, value £6, £5, and £4 respectively, offered by the Synod of United Original Seceders to the students attending the Divinity-Hall, took place at 16, Douglas Street, Glasgow, on the 29th October last. The competition was founded on Dr. James Buchanan's "Lectures on Justification." The members of the Hall Committee having examined the several papers given in by the students, met on the 16th December to declare the result, when it was found that the paper written by Mr. Thomas Gilchrist was entitled to the first bursary; that written by Mr. James Spence to the second; and that by Mr. Alexander Stirling to the third. All the papers were most creditable to the writers. These students have all completed their third session at the Divinity-Hall.