to account for the eras of intense heat, followed by eras of intense cold, on our earth's surface, by calculations based on the eccentricity of the earth's orbit at long intervals. He takes for granted, however, what cannot be proved-that the solar forces, the light and heat of the sun, have, through all ages, been uniform, or nearly so. The other articles in the number are interesting and will repay perusal. Golden Lane. Quaint Adventures and Life Pictures. By G. HOLDEN PIKE. (London: James Clarke and Co.) This is a book of no common interest. It contains a portrait of the Earl of Shaftesbury, the President of the Mission, and an introduction from his pen. It also contains a portrait of Mr. Orsman, whose name among costers is quite an institution, and of whom the Earl speaks in the highest terms, from an intimate acquaintance with his successful labours. Mr. Pike has made his readers familiar with strange scenes and sounds, for which they were scarcely prepared; but we thank him for the important information he has given us respecting a class of the community too much neglected, and we think the book, which is well illustrated, cannot fail to render Golden Lane Mission essential service. East London Industries. By W. GLENNY CRORY. (London : We knew that the East of London was a busy place, but we were not aware of the extent of its "industries." The author of this interesting and instructive volume has given us a large amount of useful information about jute manufacturing, iron shipbuilding, paper staining, the silk trade, crinoline and corset making, floor-cloth making, the Baroness Burdett Coutts' gifts, the Bethnal Green Museum, London Hospital, &c., &c. On laying down the 671 book we felt indebted to the author for the pains he had taken to supply a fund of useful and valuable knowledge to the reader. American Pictures, drawn with Pen and Pencil. By the Rev. SAMUEL MANNING, LL.D. (London: Religious Tract Society.) A very handsome gift book, full of illustrations well executed, while the amount of information given respecting America is exceedingly interesting and instructive. The Teacher's Theme; or, "Jesus only." A Series of Addresses to Twelve addresses written for reading, all relating to some or other of the characters of Christ. A pious and praiseworthy endeavour to set forth the great theme. The Temperance Reformation and the Christian Church. A Prize We have long felt that the subject so ably treated in this volume must soon become the subject of the day. We welcome this work, with all its reliable statistics and valuable information, which we cordially commend to the attention of our readers-especially to our ministerial friends, because of the unbounded influence they possess and exert. Stephen Grattan's Faith: a Cana dian Story; and Mackerel Will. (London: Religious Tract Society.) Both these tales are good, and the latter would be better if it were rather less sensational. The first tale shows that Christian love is the power of reclaiming the drunkard; and the second, that it is the means of elevating the ignorant and the wretched. Memoirs of John Macfarlane, LL.D. By WILLIAM GRAHAM. (Edinburgh: Oliphant and Co.) For many years we had the pleasure of Dr. Macfarlane's acquaintance, and were frequently struck with his genial disposition and earnest contention for the truth as it is in Jesus. We have here an account of his early life, student life, public life, in Scotland and in London, with some of the last entries in his journal, which are particularly touching. It is an interesting memoir ably edited. The American Pulpit of the Day. (London: R. D. Third Series. Dickinson.) These forty sermons are valuable as specimens of American pulpit teaching. They are fitted to stimulate religious thought; but we should have liked many of them better had there been more in them to lay hold of the conscience and the heart. Oliver of the Mill. By MARIA LOUISA CHARLESWORTH. (London: After a period of ten years, the writer meets the wishes of many friends, and offers another tale, which will prove an interest and aid to youthful, minds, for whom it is more especially designed. The volume will be found to maintain the well-earned reputation of one who has written much and well. BRIEFER NOTICES OF BOOKS. Joshua and his Successors: An Introduction to the Books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and Samuel I. By W. H. Groser, B.Sc. (London: Sunday School Union.) A very concise and useful manual for Sunday-school teachers and others. The narrative is clear and well written, and the notes are valuable.— The Holy Life. By the Rev. Evan H. Hopkins. (London: S. W. Partridge and Co.) A healthy guide and stimulus to seek after greater degrees of resemblance to the "Holy One."-The Gospel of the Tabernacle. By Robert Edward Sears. (London: Elliot Stock.) A pleasing and profitable gathering and application of the Evangelical analogies of the Tabernacle and its associations; a result of diligent and devout study which will be acceptable to many pious minds.A Sailor Boy's Adventures in the Land of the Sun. By the Author of "The Realm of the Ice King." (London: Religious Tract Society.) "Will Par sons is the hero of this little volume, which contains many striking incidents, and from which boys may learn useful lessons.-Lessons out of School for Boys and Girls. (London: Religious Tract Society.) Our young friends, for whom this little book is prepared, have a word given them on self-denial, industry, the sin of cheating, temptation, ridicule, the Bible, and four bad companions-which they will do well to heed. Our Chronicle. WILTS AND EAST SOMERSET UNION.The autumnal meetings of the Wilts and East Somerset Congregational Union were held at Holt on the 18th and 19th Sept. On Monday evening the Rev. J. Hiles Hitchens, of London, was the preacher. On Tuesday morning a prayer meeting was held, and the conference of ministers and delegates commenced its sitting, G. N. Haden, Esq., of Trowbridge, presiding. The Rev. W. Clarkson, B.A., and Rev. Wm. Tuck, read papers on "National Education," and "The Education Act of 1876." Thanks were given to the authors of these papers, and an Educational Vigilance Committee was appointed. A resolution was passed WESTERN COLLEGE. The annual meeting of the Western College was held on Sept. 13th in Union Chapel, Plymouth, under the presidency of Mr. A. Hubbard. Since the last annual meeting Mr. A. Rooker, treasurer, and the Rev. J. M. Charlton, M.A., theological tutor, have been called to their rest. During Mr. Charlton's illness the Rev. C. Wilson, M.A., and Mr. T. H. Heywood, B.A., along with the Rev. F. E. Anthony, the classical tutor, kindly directed the work of the students. The report was read and adopted. The Rev. E. J. Hartland, Mr. J. Rooker, and the Rev. C. J. Palmer spoke in terms of deep respect of the late professor, deploring the loss occasioned by his death. The Rev. E. S. Prout and Mr. T. W. Wilson referred with great satisfaction to the appointment of the Rev. C. Chapman, M.A., to the theological chair, and the Rev. C. Wilson delivered an address to the students. At a public meeting in the evening the Rev. F. E. Anthony, in the name of the committee, gave welcome to Mr. Chapman, who entered the college as a student twenty-five years ago, and now takes the place of theological tutor. Mr. Chapman delivered his inaugural address. Dr. Kennedy gave wise counsels to the newlyappointed professor, and the meeting was closed with praise and prayer. ham, was opened under most auspicious circumstances, the weather being fine, and the attendance numerous. The handsome building on its noble site has cost £22,500, towards which nearly £16,000 has been promised, whilst the sale of the old building has yielded £3,000. At noon the company gathered on the terrace in front of the college, and after a service of song and prayer, the Rev. R. Bruce, M.A., delivered the inaugural address. The dedication prayer was offered by the Rev. W. Crosbie, M.A., LL.B. Mr. Pite presented a massive silver key to Mr. Yates, chairman of the committee. The key was then handed to Mr. J. Crossley, M.P., to unlock the door and declare the college open. A meeting of the subscribers was held in the college library, the Rev. Jas. Parsons in the chair. The officers were chosen, and Dr. Falding was appointed resident principal and theological tutor, temporary arrangement being made for other tutors. NEW COLLEGE--A large assembly of the friends of New College met in the library at the commencement of the winter session on Friday evening, September 29th. The Rev. Dr. Newth, Principal, presided. Prayer was offered by the Rev. G. D. Macgregor. The chairman called on Dr. Raleigh to deliver the address which he had previously promised. Dr. Raleigh was enthusiastically received. His admirable address was not specially to students and professors, but generally to the Christian people who were present. Fifteen students, out of twenty applicants, were received by the Council on the previous day. The Rev. R. D. Wilson moved, and the Rev. W. M. Statham seconded, a vote of thanks to Dr. Raleigh, which was carried by acelamation, and the meeting was closed with the Benediction. The Secretary read a statement intimating that the proposal to adopt "The Congregationalist and the Christian Penny Magazine," had been withdrawn, and that an improved method of electing the committee of the Union had been adopted. INTEMPERANCE was the first topic for discussion, which was opened by Rev. Dr. Raleigh and Rev. Alfred Holborn, M. A., and a resolution was unanimously adopted to have the subject brought before all the churches of the Union, with a view of checking and destroying this tremendous evil. THE EDUCATION ACT of 1876 was vigorously assailed by Rev. J. Wood, of Leicester, and Rev. Benjamin Waugh, of Greenwich, and a resolution in condemnation of the Act was passed unanimously. On Wednesday morning, 11th, a resolution on the Eastern Question was passed by acclamation, without discussion. A resolution was adopted congratulating the Presbyterians in England on their fusion into one body, under the designation of "The Presbyterian Church of England." Delegates from the different Nonconformist bodies in Bradford were severally introduced, and cordially welcomed by the Rev. Dr. Aveling, Chairman, and the assembly. Four representatives addressed the meeting in hearty response. THE SCHEME OF THE FINANCE CONFERENCE was read and spoken to by Rev. A. Hannay, secretary, and Henry Lee, Esq., of Manchester. Earnest discussion followed on both sides of the question. Thursday morning, 12th.—The finance question was resumed, and was eventually referred to all the County Unions for consideration and report. Resolutions of sympathy with Sir Titus Salt, of Saltaire, in his personal affliction, and of thanks to the Chairman, to the brethren who had prepared and read papers to the meeting, to the Local Committee for the arrangements, and to the friends who had furnished accommodation to the numerous visitors were passed. On Tuesday evening, an enthusiastic meeting was held at St. George's Hall, under the presidency of E. Crossley, Esq., for the advocacy of Free Church principles. The Revs. J. Williamson, H. Batchelor, and Herber Evans addressed the meeting. On Wednesday afternoon, two Sectional meetings were held, one at Salem Chapel, when a paper was read by Rev. S. Hebditch, “On the exercise of the Pastoral Function apart from Preaching in the Congregational Churches in England;" the other in College Chapel, when a paper was read by Rev. D. Jones Hamer, "On the tendency of Congregational Churches to assume a Sectional or Class Character." On Thursday afternoon, two similar meetings were held in the same places. A paper was read at Salem by Rev. R. Wardlaw Thompson, "On the danger which threatens the spiritual life of the Churches from the growth of the love of pleasure." A paper was read at College Chapel by Rev. R. Tuck, B.A., “On shiftings of Theological Thought." On Wednesday evening, three sermons were preached to children: at Listerhills by Rev. H. Simon, at Bowling by Rev. J. Morlais Jones, and at Saltaire by Rev. W. Park. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, meetings were held in several neighbouring towns for the enforcement and vindication of Congregational principles, and for promoting the religious life of the Churches. On Thursday evening, a conversazione took place at St. George's Hall, which was attended by 2,000 persons. On Friday evening, 13th, a special meeting was held in Horton Lane Chapel, designed chiefly for the young men of Bradford, and was addressed by Revs. A. Norris, W. Braden, and Dr. Mellor. THE Managers acknowledge with thanks the following Sacramental Collections in aid of the WIDOWS' FUND:-Liverpool, Norwood Chapel, by Rev. R. W. Thompson, £8 128. 9d.; Dewsbury United Communion Service of the Independent Churches, Dewsbury, at Highfield Chapel, by Rev. W. T. Moreton, £6 188.; Kingsland, by Rev. Dr. Aveling, £5; Lincoln, by Rev. W. F. Clarkson, £3; Swanage, by Mr. W. Collins, £1 6s. 3d.; Horncastle, by Rev. W. Rose, £1 58. THE CHRONICLE OF THE London Missionary Society. 1-Madagascar-The Ibara Tribes. BY MR. G. A. SHAW. †N accordance with instructions from the Betsileo District Committee, Mr. Riordan and I started from Ambohimandroso on Wednesday, April 27th, to pay a visit to the tribes of people living south of Betsileo, with a view to ascertain the state of the people, the position of the country, and any other facts that might prove useful in the event of an attempt to evangelise this portion of Madagascar. After, the usual trouble with bearers, we started across the broad plain of Tsi-enim-parihy, leaving Imaroparasy and Iaritsena on our right, and crossed the Mànambòlo, a tributary of the Mànanațànana. It rises south of Beànana, and a little to the east of the great waterfall seen from Ambohimandroso; and after receiving many smaller streams, it joins the Mànanatànana south of Iaritsena and north of Manampy, the great rocks seen from Ambohimandroso looking west. Having passed through this very broad and fertile valley, abounding in rice fields and the plant (bàtry) grown for the rearing of silk-worms, we began to ascend the gorge in the high hills at the southwest corner of the plain. Here we obtained several valuable bearings, by means of which we were able to connect that portion of the country already surveyed with that vast unknown tract to the south lying before us. Our course for the remainder of the day was nearly south-west, along a tract of country differing in no particular from the aspect of the Betsileo. No trees long grass gradually turning brown, boulders, and bare-topped hills were the only objects to be seen. Some fine high peaks were opened up in the course of the afternoon, several of them the highest in Betsileo. Later in the evening, after crossing a rather high pass between two hills, the scenery almost instantly changed. Instead of the desolate appearance which this part of the country bears in the winter months, we came |