Another marvel of cheapness is Mr. Elliot Stock's New Testament in French, for one penny, and a French edition of Bunyan's "Pilgrims' Progress" at the same price, both of them being illustrated. Month by month we review from Messrs. Morgan and Scott the parts of their useful record of work for the Master, The Christian. The November part is more than ordinarily interesting as containing the conclusion of Mr. Morgan's "Notes from Northfield," and reports of Messrs. Moody and Sankey's work at Newcastle. From the same publishers we have the yearly volume of the "Herald of Mercy" (1s.) a periodical full of tersely written and thoroughly evangelical articles, which, with its illustrations and " children's page," must win acceptance and welcome wherever it comes. Messrs. Cassell's "New Testament for English Readers" and "Popular Educator," increase in value as the parts accumulate. In the first-named the Gospels are completed, and we have in the latest part a large instalment of the Acts of the Apostles. The same publishers are now issuing a remarkably cheap edition of Farrar's "Life of Christ" for 6s. Of Messrs Ward and Lock's serials the first volume of "The Universal Instructor" has been completed, and we are now able to see how thoroughly the design of the originators is being carried out. The sixth part of Clarke's Commentary "completes the Pentateuch. Mr. Thornley Smith's work, as editor, is being well done. The Temperance Worker, originated by the Rev. F. Wagstaff, in 1873, has now completed its ninth year, and with the commencement of the tenth volume will be enlarged to 32 pages, and issued under the amended title of the Temperance Worker and Reuter. Mr. Thos. Murby, of Bouverie Street, London, has just published a capital "Synopsis of Butlers' Analogy of Religion," price Is., of which we shall speak more at length in our next. Several books just to hand shall be noticed next month. ILLUSTRATIVE QUOTATIONS AND ANECDOTES. AN uncharitable man is like the desert, which receives the sunbeams and the rain and returns no increase. SORROWS TRANSFORMED.-I have seen a dark cloud that threatened. to hide the moon, grow bright as it passed over her, and only make her more beautiful.-Southey. THE greatest of faults is to be conscious of none.-Thomas Carlyle. DAVID IN THE COURT OF SAUL.-Glancing over this narrative, one or two points come prominently forth. The worth of these events to David must have lain chiefly in the abundant additions made to his experience of life which ripened his nature and developed new powers. The meditative life of the sheep-fold is followed by the crowded court and the camp. Strenuous work, familiarity with men, constant vicissitude, take the place of placid thought, of calm seclusion, of tranquil days that knew no changes but the alteration of sun and stars, storm and brightness, green pastures and dusty paths. He learned the real world, with its hate and effort, its hollow fame and its whispering calumnies. Many illusions no doubt faded, but the light that had shone in its solitude still burned before him for his guide, and a deeper trust in his Shepherd-God was rooted in his soul by all the shocks of varying fortune. The passage from the visions of youth, and the solitary resolves of early and uninterrupted piety to the naked realities of a wicked world, and the stern self-control of manly godliness is ever painful and perilous. Thank God it may be made clear gain, as it was by this young hero Psalmist. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS AND OTHERS. NEXT YEAR'S CONTENTS.-The Rev. A. F. Barfield's "Notes on Corinthians" will be continued, as also "Notes on Mark ;" and we hope also to give "Expository Notes on the Fifty-first Psalm," by the Rev. W. O. Lilley; together with a greater number of brief outlines for pulpit use. CORRESPONDENTS, in sending outlines, &c., are particularly requested NOT to underscore any part of the manuscript; to write on paper not larger than this printed page; to leave plenty of space at top and bottom for corrections; and to write plainly, and on one side of the paper only. CONTRIBUTIONS in the shape of terse, suggestive outlines are solicited, but correspondents will please to study brevity. All Literary Communications should be addressed to the EditorRev. F. WAGSTAFF, Church Hill, Wednesbury. Books for Review may be sent to the Editor, or may be left at the Office of the Publisher, 39, Warwick Lane, London, E.C. THE LAY PREACHER VOLUME for 1881, containing the numbers for 1880, printed on thicker paper, and handsomely bound, is now on sale, and may be had post free from the Publisher for 3s. 6d. The MONTHLY NUMBERS will be sent post free for twelve months on receipt of P.O.O. for 2s. 6d., by the Publisher, F. E. LONGLEY, 39, Warwick Lane, London, E.C. THE LAY PREACHER. A MAGAZINE FOR ALL CHRISTIAN WORKERS. HELPS FOR THE STUDY, PULPIT, PLATFORM, AND DESK. EDITED BY THE REV. F. WAGSTAFF, F.R.H.S. THIRD SERIES, VOL. VII.-JAN. TO DEC. 1882. London: F. E. LONGLEY, 39, WARWICK LANE, E.C. 1883. |