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THE practice of closing churches for several Sabbaths during the summer
has more to do with the Sabbath school than, at first sight, one would
imagine. It seems to us to be our duty to call the attention of teachers
to the subject. As a class, they should consider it. Teachers form a
considerable section of the members of the Church. As volunteers in
the great conflict with sin and ignorance, the Sabbath school teacher may
be said to occupy some of the most advanced positions in the field of
battle. Any movement, or any indication of weakness or faltering that
may take place along the line, whether in the rear or in the front, should
be matter of concern to him. And this closing of places of public
worship for several weeks in summer, with its unavoidable derangement
of congregational agencies in mission districts, does seem to us to be a
retrograde movement. It is now many years since the late Rev. Dr.
Buchanan pleaded, with the churches of Glasgow, on the "Summer
Scattering" of the members, which was, at that time, only beginning
to be general.
We can almost imagine what he, or Dr. Robertson, or
Dr. Chalmers would now say to us, in the light of eternity, and in view of
the tens of thousands of our population for whom they, and other like-
minded men, spent so much of their time in planting churches, and
thereby providing means of grace for the masses. But the following
remarks upon the subject, by an American minister, the Rev. H. C.
Hovey, are so exactly in accordance with our own sentiments, we
shall content ourselves, for the present, by merely commending them to
the consideration of our readers. We should always be careful to look
at such questions from a proper point of view, and not merely from the
standpoints of expediency and personal convenience. A correct decision

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upon almost any question depends upon how we look at it. Very often the reasons given for certain practices look very plausible until the thing itself is looked at from what may really be the only legitimate point of view from which we are entitled to regard it. Mr. Hovey says:

It has become an established usage with most congregations to grant their pastors an annual vacation in midsummer. The question may properly be raised if ministers really need as frequent and extended intervals of rest as they now enjoy. Could not the same advantages often be secured by exchanging pulpits for a month with some brother who needs similar relaxation? Suppose the city pastor goes into the rural field of some over-worked home missionary, where he can breathe the fresh air of the prairies and the forests; while the country pastor finds enjoyment in the elegance and culture of the metropolis. Each would be benefited and refreshed; and it would be much better for the churches than for them to close their doors for several precious Sabbaths in succession.

All over the land pulpits are vacant while ministers take their vacation. It is safe to say that, in July and August, thousands (who are faithful church-goers in January) forsake the assembling of themselves together, forgetful of the inspired admonition to the contrary. It has come to pass by common consent that there is an annual cessation of Christian effort during the heated term. It almost makes one believe the sarcastic saying of Sydney Smith, that "When the mercury stands above 80° in the shade no Englishman cares for his soul.”

Pastors should probably be left, however, to judge for themselves as to the necessity or expediency of a summer vacation. Loving congregations will generally yield gracefully to the wishes of their faithful, hardworking ministers in respect to this matter, taking it for granted that men whose sole business it is to preach Christ will be conscientious in deciding such a question. But can a church afford to close its doors while the pastor is gone? Do the hearers need a vacation as well as the preachers? In some cases it may be so. There are church members who work as hard for Jesus as if they were ordained ministers of the Word, and such are certainly entitled to rest when they need it. To them, as well as to evangelists and pastors, there are times when the Master says, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest awhile." After long-continued and exciting labour a season of retirement is needed, in order that bodily vigour, mental energy, and spiritual strength may be maintained for the active duties of the future. But, in the case of the majority, no such necessity seems to arise, because very few know by experience what it is to lay out their strength for Christ. It is with the utmost difficulty that they are induced to devote three or four hours aweek to religious effort; and when the pastor takes his vacation and the church-doors are closed, they fold their arms in a spiritual slumber, from which it is by no means easy to arouse them.

My plea is for an open sanctuary! Our churches ought to be occupied by worshipping assemblies fifty-two Sabbaths in the year; and, if possible, there should be at least one hundred and four sermons preached in them

annually. The question should not be one of mere dollars and cents. Trustees too often stand in such dread of that awful thing-a deficit, that they prefer having the church closed to paying for a supply during the pastor's absence. An expensive kind of economy! Why not carry out the principle and save still a larger sum by keeping the church closed all the year? There is many a college professor, many a minister without charge, many a returned missionary, who would gladly fill the pulpit for a month or so if suitably compensated. But if no arrangement of this kind is practicable, let some good reader, elder, or layman, read a choice Gospel sermon from the works of Chalmers, or Spurgeon, or some earnest American divine. At all events let some sort of worship be maintained every Sabbath! It is a commendable peculiarity of the Roman Catholic Church that the doors of her sanctuaries are always open. Some pay their vows at daybreak, others at noonday, or sunset. The place of prayer is perpetually accessible, even on week-days. I once visited the Cathedral at Montreal while it was undergoing repairs; workmen were busy with hammer, and saw, and paint-brush; but here and there groups of worshippers were kneeling in prayer. No priest was present to guide their devotions. They came to pray because the doors were open! Are we not culpable for locking up our Protestant churches so much of the time? Would not our investments in church buildings pay larger dividends if those buildings were kept more constantly in use? Laymen should not overlook their responsibilities. What a grand chance they have to exercise their gifts during the pastoral vacation! I could point to a church in Indiana which has not failed for thirty years to have regular Sabbath services of some kind—and how God has blessed it! How hale and vigorous it stands to-day, like a grand old oak, defying alike summer's heat and winter's cold!

The spirit of devotion is contagious. A small band of worshippers may be the nucleus of a large congregation. I remember a striking illustration of this. It was in a dilapidated village on the banks of a canal, where a company of tourists were detained over the Sabbath. We went to the only meeting house in the place, and there found a solitary worshipper. He was a stout-built man, with iron-grey hair, and an air of earnest determination. He sat near the pulpit, and did not notice us as we came in; so we quietly observed his proceedings. He sang a hymn, solo; then read a chapter in the Bible aloud, accompanying it by a running commentary. He was then about to kneel in prayer when he saw that others were present. At once he gave us a hearty welcome in the name of the Lord, and said, "Now we will begin again; maybe more will come in." The notes of a familiar hymn were struck, and we all sang fervently. People began to look in at the doors and windows. The news passed through the village and down among the boatmen and drivers. They came in by twos and threes, until more than a hundred had assembled. The meeting was one of great solemnity, and the Lord was present in His power. Tears of penitence were shed; sins were confessed; God was glorified, and the tidings of salvation were published abroad. The solitary man of prayer had gathered a multitude. How much better than for him to have locked up the church-doors and gone home with the key in his pocket, while the Sabbath was broken without protest or rebuke!

Seventeenth Scottish Sabbath School Convention.

TO BE HELD AT Kirkcaldy,

ON THE 9th, 10th, AND 11th OCTOBER, 1884.

WE heartily join with the Kirkcaldy committee in claiming for the approaching Convention the sympathy and prayers of the Sabbath school teachers of Scotland. Preceding conventions have been most effective in promoting the cause of Sabbath schools in the different towns where the meetings have been held. They have also been most useful in forming and giving expression to the opinions of teachers upon questions relating to their work. The influence of these conventions, however, can only be proportionate to the interest which may be taken in them by teachers throughout the country. A large attendance of representative men is one of the first conditions of success; and we trust there will be at Kirkcaldy a large number of towns represented. District or local Sabbath school Unions should not delay the election of delegates till they receive a request to do so from the local committee. In regard to many places, the convener does not know exactly to whom the invitation should be sent; and, in some cases, the circulars miscarry for want of proper addresses. There are many schools in towns where no local Unions exist, and it is a pity when such are unrepresented. It should be understood that the superintendents of any schools will be made exceedingly welcome as delegates, although they may not be formally elected by a district Union.

The committee in charge of the arrangements have just issued the list of subjects to be brought before the various meetings, and the meetings will no doubt be of the most enjoyable nature to those who attend from a distance. The committee have arranged to provide for the accommodation of delegates on the Thursday and Friday evenings of the Convention. They are desirous of having a list of the delegates made up as early as possible, and they will be glad to receive the names and addresses of delegates, with a note, at the same time, stating whether they will require accommodation for both evenings. The committee will meet for the reception of strangers on Thursday evening, at 7 p.m., in St. Brycedale Free Church Hall; and on the morning of Friday, at the Town Hall, at 10.30 a.m. Communications in reference to accommodation should be addressed to Mr. David Dishart, No. 86 High Street, Kirkcaldy. The following are the principal items in the programme :The proceedings will commence on Thursday evening, 9th October, with a Conversazione, to be held in the Halls of St. Brycedale Free Church, at 7 p.m. Provost Swan, president of Kirkcaldy Sabbath School Union, will take the chair at 8 p.m.; and at 9, an address will be given on "The Uses of the Blackboard in Infant Schools," with illustrations,

by Rev. R. B. Blyth, M.A. There will also be an exhibition of publications and appliances for the use of Sabbath schools. On Friday the Day Conferences will be held in the Town Hall. The Rev. John Campbell, M.A., will take the chair at 11.30; and devotional exercises will be conducted by Rev. Wm. Guthrie. The subjects of conference at this diet will be "Thorough Teaching: its Characteristics, and how to be Effected," by Alfred Sindall, Esq., London Sunday School Union; "The Sabbath School and Foreign Missions," by Professor Drummond, Glasgow; "The Spiritual Power of the Sabbath School," by Rev. George Wilson, Edinburgh; "Systematic Training and Examination of Teachers"-Report of committee appointed at Paisley Convention, by Mr. James Parlane, Paisley, convener. The evening conferences will take place in the Congregational Church, High Street, at 7 o'clock. The topics for discussion will be "Young Men: how to Engage their Affections for Christ, and how to Interest them in His Work," by Sheriff Cowan, Paisley; Parents and the Sabbath School," by Rev. John G. Train, Buckhaven; "Success in the Sabbath School: what it is, and how it is to be Attained," by Rev. W. J. Cox, Dundee. On Saturday there will be a Public Breakfast in the Town Hall, at 8.30 a.m., when short addresses will be given by several of the delegates and other friends. There will also be two juvenile gatherings, one in Bethelfield Church, at 3 p.m.,. chairman, Rev. J. C. Marwick; and another in Pathhead Free Church, at 3.30 p.m., chairman, Bailie Beveridge. The following gentlemen are expected to address these meetings:-Rev. A. Bell, Renton; Rev. Charles Shaw, Kinghorn; Alfred Sindall, Esq., and others; and on Sabbath the proceedings will be brought to a close by an evening sermon, in Kirkcaldy Established Church, by the Rev. Professor Salmond, Aberdeen.

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Why are you not a Communicant?

WHY do so many disciples not observe the Saviour's last request? Why, being of age to choose their companions, their path in the world, and their goal in life, are they not at Christ's table, and among Christ's companions?

They will not, I trust, charge me with lack of kindness if I venture to put in words the reasons that weigh with them. They are, I believe, twofold,-Reverence for Christ's table; and, The attractions of the

world.

I. Reverence for Christ's Table.—This takes two forms,—respect for the high and holy nature of the ordinance; and offence at the insincerity of many who observe it. Look at the latter first. The inconsistencies of Christians are many. But perhaps you, my friend, forget that there have always been, and always will be, such. No communicant ever was, or will be, blameless. And even when you, whose reverence and sense of what is right and becoming is so strong, become communicants, you too will be inconsistent in many ways.

But, you say, many inconsistencies are very gross. They could be avoided. They proceed, not from weakness, but from profaneness and

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