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of it, man will not only discharge a duty well-pleasing to the Lawgiver; but in the keeping of that law he will find for himself 'great reward.'

"Rest assured, that the more the physiologist advances in the exact knowledge of his science, the more will he be convinced that the physiology of the Sabbath, as contained by manifest implication in God's revealed Word, is not only true, but imbedded there, and embodied in corresponding enactments, alike in wisdom and in mercy. And the more faithfully man observes the Sabbath according to God's law, the purer pleasure and the higher happiness will be his. Let him walk on the Sabbath; but let it be Enoch-like, with God."

There is surely no minister in Scotland who would see Sabbath profanation diminished in his congregation, and its sanctification promoted, who would not seek to have this little book circulated among its members. The writer of this notice understands that were subscriptions for 5,000 copies obtained, an edition of this work would be published and sold at some 2d. for each copy, and also forwarded free.

The Original Secession itself might subscribe for as many. Some congregations might take 300, some 200, some 150, some 100, and the weakest 50 copies, and thus guarantee the publishers against loss. We believe they would seek no gain for so good an object. It would not be much for one or at least a few wealthy individuals to undertake the whole risk. Nor should they be circulated gratis. Few are so poor as to grudge the price, or at least feel it burdensome.

Rosa Lindesay; the Light of Kilmain. By M. H. Author of The Children of the Great King, Labourers in the Vineyard, The Red Velvet Bible, &c. &c. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co. London: Hamilton, Adams, & Co.

Newlyn House: The Home of the Davenports. By A. E. W. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co.

We take these two handsomely finished volumes together, as they are written in the same style, and in general aim at accomplishing the same object. In these volumes religion is ever commended, not in its form but its power, and its benign influence on the dispositions and conduct of young and old, but especially on the former. Religion is ever and anon introduced, but in such a way as to come in naturally, either from the known character of the speaker, or from the circumstances of the parties. Dutiful conduct, springing from the fear of God, is seen conducing to the happiness of young persons themselves, and of all with whom they hold intercourse, in the family circle, in the school, or the neighbourhood. The different shades of evil conduct is ever condemned, and the misery which this entails is held forth in such dark colours, that it can scarcely fail to be felt repulsive. The family circle and the behaviour of the young to one another are so pourtrayed in these pages, that the evils to be avoided, and the good to be cultivated, are more effectively and pleasingly taught by examples than it could be didactically. Pride and passion, selfishness and obsti

nacy, are thus also rebuked, and their opposites commended. Very important and valuable lessons are also given to parents and teachers as to the best way of training the young. Here the evil effects of excessive indulgence are graphically depicted, on the young themselves and on those with whom they come to be associated.

Being prevented from reading these volumes through by pressing demands on our time, it is possible there may be some things in them to which we might object. But, having read a considerable part of both volumes with great satisfaction, we do not think this at all likely. And guided by the adage, “Ex uno disce omnes"-" from a part judge of the whole "-there are few books of the kind which we could put with more confidence and more hope of profit into the hands of the young.

The books are also so written, that they can scarcely fail to be read with avidity by young persons, though their minds may not yet be moved with the religious sentiments which are so seasonably commingled with the narrative of the every day occurrences of natural things. The volumes are also rendered attractive by the way in which the printer and binder have executed their departments.

Short Stories to Explain Bible Texts. By M. H. Author of Short Tales to Explain Homely Proverbs, &c. &c. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co. London: Hamilton, Adams, & Co.

THIS is an admirable little book, adapted specially to the young, but by which all may be edified. By it the most important truths are stated and illustrated in such a way as is powerfully calculated to lay hold of the conscience. In it also good conduct in the young is happily encouraged and commended, and evil habits and deeds exhibited in such a way as is fitted to convince and impress the mind. We give the following sample entire, and do not think any of our readers will complain of its length. It will supply the place of

"" A CHAPTER FOR THE YOUNG."

"By their fruits ye shall know them.'-Matthew vii. 20.

"The church clock in a small country town had just struck four, when the door of the principal boys' school was burst open, and out rushed the children with even more than their usual noise and commotion.

"The day had been a glorious one, and the bright summer sunshine had roused visions of green woods and clear sparkling brooklets, which had made some young spirits chafe under the restraint of the schoolroom, so that, now the hour of freedom had come, it was welcomed with unusual joy. In a few minutes the noise abated, and the boys set off homewards, some here, some there.

"Two boys who had held somewhat aloof from the others, struck off from the town, and took the road that led to some newly-built villas. They were not brothers, scarcely friends; their only bond consisted in the fact that both had newly arrived in the neighbourhood, and lived close by each other.

"George Elliot and Harry Bruce were strong-made, good-looking boys, of about twelve years old; and one could not help wondering if He, who looketh on the hearts, saw the same beauty there which those did who looked only on the outward appearOne criterion alone man hath wherewith to judge: By their fruits ye shall know them. Let us follow them, and form our own judgment.

ance.

"For some minutes the two went quickly on, talking over the events of the day, criticising, as boys will do, the other boys, and also the masters. Presently they saw a little girl coming along with several books in her hand, one of which, just as she was passing the boys, fell at George Elliot's feet. With a loud laugh he kicked it away, as if it had been a foot-ball, along the dusty road. On seeing this, the child began crying violently, and was only quieted by Harry Bruce's kind words as he gave her the book, which, after a struggle, he had rescued from his companion.

"Oh, George,' he remonstrated, 'how could you treat a girl so! Poor little thing, perhaps she will get scolded for having got it spoiled; it was mean to treat her like that."

"George's reply was an angry retort: Mind your own business, and let me alone. What do I care about a girl?'

"After that the boys walked more apart, George whistling, perhaps to drown a still small voice.

"If so, he must have succeeded well in doing so; for when a small black dog, who was leading a blind man, jumped upon him, and with a small tin in its mouth, began in its way to beg a copper for its master, George knocked it off so angrily that the tin fell down, and a number of coppers which were in it were scattered on all sides.

"The blind man in great distress began groping about for the pennies, endeavouring in vain to find out who was the culprit. Harry quickly came to his aid, and, after a little difficulty, got them all, and added to the little store two of his own. He then spoke kindly to the old man; and learning that he lived in a small cottage close by, promised to come and see him and his dog some day soon.

"The kind words warmed the old man's heart. Poor old man, he needed them all! Afflicted by God, he was yet often doubly afflicted by cruel thoughtless children, who scrupled not to make fun of blind Sam. But the blindness was only that of sense. Four years ago the bright light of the Gospel of Christ had shone on blind Sam, and lighted up the eye of faith.

"Just as Harry had stopped speaking to the blind man, and was turning off, a hand was laid on his shoulder, and a pleasant-lookig gentleman asked if he were Harry Bruce. On receiving an answer in the affirmative, he detained him a few minutes to ask him some questions; then pointing to poor Sam, who had wandered on, he said, "Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me." Have you learned to love Him who said these words?'

"Harry's bright look said more than his words: 'I hope so, sir; mother taught me early about Him.'

"Mr. Lewis then shook hands with him, and walked slowly on. He had been behind the boys the whole way, and observed the different conduct of each. He had a motive in doing so; for his own little boy was at the same school with them, and he wished to judge, as far as he could, if they would be good companious, in case his boy should become intimate with them. He had seen enough to satisfy him. Disregard to the feelings of others, cruelty to a dumb animal and a suffering fellow-creature, were no small sins in Mr. Lewis's eyes; and the words which rose to his lips were, 'By their fruits ye shall know them.'

"Had he followed the two boys to their respective homes, and marked their conduct there, his opinion of them would have been confirmed.

"Angry and put out, George's behaviour was an annoyance to every one in his home all that afternoon. He quarrelled with his sisters, fought with his little brothers, and even spoke rudely to his mother-effectually destroying the peace of every one; an event of no uncommon occurrence.

"In Harry's home it was very different. A shout of delight from little voices hailed

the entrance of the favourite brother. Ah! here comes Harry; now I'll get my kite up, said one; and, I'll have a game at ball now; and, we'll all have such a nice play in the woods, for Harry's always so kind, said another, and another. And Harry's widowed mother brightened up as she heard his voice, and listened to the stories of his new school, and his account of blind Sam, ending with, And best of all, mamma, a gentleman told me Sam was one of the Lord's people. Sha'n't you go to see him? I am sure he'd like to hear you read about Jesus.' The promise was given; and through the means of little Harry, brighter days were in store for poor Sam.

"Some days after the events we have written of, little Willie Lewis entered his papa's study with an animated face. He had a request to make.

"Papa, may I ask the two new boys to tea? I want so much to make friends with them, for they seem shy and don't mix with the others; may I?'

"Willie was somewhat surprised at the determined tone of his father's answer: 'Harry Bruce you may ask, but not Elliot. I do not wish you to make an intimate companion of him; I don't think him at all a good boy.'

"Not a good boy, papa! how do you know that?'

"By his fruits, Willie, that is what I have judged by. Now go; I am busy and cannot be disturbed at present.'

"Willie Lewis went at once; he was never allowed to disobey a given order. Bat now he kept questioning the justice of his father's condemnation of George Elliot -what could he know about him? and what did he mean by saying that he judged him by his fruits?

"When Mr. Lewis, after he had finished his business, came into the room where Willie sat, he did not fail to observe his disappointed look; and, finding his lessons were all prepared, he invited him to come and have a walk.

"After strolling about for some time, they turned into a large nicely-kept garden, gay with the brightest of summer flowers, and well stocked with fruit-trees of all descriptions. The balmy air, the bright sunshine, and, above all, the pleasure of a walk with his papa, had made Willie forget his vexation at not being allowed to ask Elliot to tea.

'As they walked round the garden, Mr. Lewis stopped as they passed two pear trees laden with fruit, and examined them attentively. Willie knew well about these trees, and had heard his papa and the gardener talking about them one day before. The one bore delightful juicy pears, the other small hard ones, which, if they hung ever so long, remained unfit to eat; and no wonder, for the tree was a bad one! "Mr. Lewis looked at the pears, felt them, and shook his head.

"Papa,' said Willie, isn't it a pity that tree is such a bad one?'

"How do you know it is, Willie?'

"How do I know! Oh, papa, 'tisn't difficult to know-look at the fruit; don't you see?'

"Then you judge that because the fruit is bad, the tree cannot be good?'

"'Yes, certainly, papa. Of course if the tree were good, the fruit would be so also -would it not?'

"Mr. Lewis smiled. 'Yes, Willie, you're right. "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." And now, do you see why I said George Elliot could not be a good boy? for I judged by his fruits. How could you suppose, even for a moment, that I should condemn any boy as a bad one, without proof?'

"He then related what he had seen and heard of the two boys.

He who

"So you see, Willie, Elliot's conduct told me as plainly what sort of a boy he was, as the bad degenerate fruit on that pear tree tells what sort of tree it is that produces it. "By their fruits ye shall know them," are words of no small import. spake them was the Lord Jesus, the Son of God. He was warning His disciples against men who, professing to be the prophets of the Lord, yet by their wicked words, showed they were none of His. Had they been so, they would have borne the fruits of righteousness.'

"Willie hung his head somewhat abashed. He saw now his papa had not spoken without good reason. If such were the fruits which Elliot bore, he could not be a good companion.

"Ere long, Harry Bruce and Willie Lewis became inseparable friends; and Mr. Lewis marked with no small pleasure the influence that Harry's upright, kind, Christian character exercised over Willie. From him he learnt to sympathise with, and, by kind words and deeds, to help his fellow-creatures; and mingling with Harry's brothers, sisters, and mother, did much good to the motherless only boy.

"Often in after years, when removed from a father's guidance, and exposed to the temptations of life, ere choosing a companion, Willie Lewis's thoughts turned to his quiet country home, and the lesson his father had taught him from the two pear trees and the fruit they bore. And even in old age he was heard to declare that he could boast of no better friend than the one he made in his boyish days, the noble-hearted Christian, Harry Bruce.

"Dear readers, what sort of fruit are you bearing, good or evil? Stop one moment and ask yourselves; for remember it is no mere man, but the Lord Jesus, the searcher of all hearts, who hath said: By their fruits ye shall know them.' And the wise king bath also said: 'Even a child is known by his doing, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.' One thing I know, if the love of Jesus has filled your hearts, your lives will show forth His praise. If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, as He does in all the children of God, then you will be bearing the fruits of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, temperance, faith. Are you indeed bearing these fruits?"

The Children's Hour Annual. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co. 1866. THIS is the first volume of this now deservedly popular periodical. It is very handsomely bound in cloth, gilt, and is a very suitable present for the young. We have already adverted once and again in our pages to this work, which the enterprising publishers are sparing no expense to render useful and attractive. Those who contribute to the pages of such a work as this, must be endued with special gifts. They require to be men of decided religious principle as well as of ability, of large experience and wise observation of the dispositions of the young, of the dangers to which they are exposed, and of the prevailing evils in this important class of society. It is also necessary that they be animated by warm zeal for the good of the young. And judging by their fruits in these pages, we conclude that these qualifications are possessed by them in a high degree. The evil of deviations from rectitude, in what is spoken of as little things, is faithfully and impressively exhibited. The miseries in which the young come to be involved by yielding to temptations to evil are graphically depicted, as well as the happy effects of good conduct. In short, though we meet occasionally with things which we could not homologate, we judge that this periodical is in no mean degree calculated to exert a salutary influence on the families into which it is introduced, not only on the young, but also on their parents and guardians. It is great cause of thankfulness, that while there is so much at the present time issuing from the press deeply injurious in its tendencies to the moral and spiritual well-being

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