Memorials of the Rev. David Thomas, M.A., Bristol. Edited by his Son, H. ARNOLD THOMAS, M.A. (London : Hodder, and Stoughton.)

To know Mr. Thomas was to esteem him highly; to know him intimately was to love him much. This volume possesses great attractions for those everywhere who were acquainted with this excellent man and minister. We are glad that the son has allowed the father to speak so much. The memoir, which is very interesting, occupies but a small portion of the book, which is mainly made up of special sermons, with the funeral address.

The Captivity of Judah. By

the Author of "Peep of Day." (London: Hatchards and Co.)

It is with much regret we learn that this is to be the last of her books Mrs. Favell Lee Mortimer intends to write for her little readers, as she says in the preface that "she is weak and worn out and ready to die."

We doubt not that this interesting volume will be greatly prized, and we trust it will be prayerfully read by the thousands who have profited in no common degree from the writings of this loving grandmother in Christ, who now takes farewell of her young readers by requesting an interest in their prayers that when the Master calls her she may be found ready. Forty Years' Mission Work in

Polynesia and New Guinea, from 1835
to 1875. By the Rev. A. W.
MURRAY. (London: Nisbet and
Co.)

The writer of this book is well known from his connection with the London Missionary Society. There is much in this volume that will be found of his

torical value in future years, and which on that account may be deserving of a permanent record. The compilation of the work was begun in Samoa towards the close of 1870, and it has been carried on under varied circumstances, and sometimes with long intervals of interruption, which gives additional interest to the narrative.

True Tales about India: its Native Princes and British Rulers. By S. J. BALLARD. (London: Religious Tract Society.)

We have here a large amount of information about a land which may now be said to belong to us, and all written in a pleasing manner. The illustrations of burning of the dead, car of Juggernaut, &c., are well executed. Our Social Relationships, and Life

in London.

Lectures delivered at the King's Weigh-house Chapel. By Rev. WILLIAM BRADEN. (London: James Clarke and Co.)

These lectures deserve a longer notice than our space permits. They are able, interesting and practical. The subjects are well-treated, bringing religion to bear on the common daily life both of men and women. Wise and suggestive counsels to young men and women, espe cially to such as reside in great cities, will be found in "Life in London." We trust the book will be extensively useful. Beginning Life: A Book for

Young Men. By JOHN TULLOCH, D.D. (London: Daldy, Isbister and Co.)

A vigorous, healthy, clear-thoughted book, admirably suited for young men. Religion, business, study, recreation are the subjects of which it treats. We do not wonder at its popularity, which is indicated by its having reached its fourteenth thousand. In this edition

the part dealing with the genuineness of the Gospels in the light of the most recent criticism has been entirely rewritten. We observe that the author

abides by his views of the lawfuluess of theatrical amusements, under certain conditions and restrictions, notwithstanding the objections which have been raised to them.

Science and the Bible correlatively

sustained and vindicated. By SAMUEL ALEXANDER BRADSHAW. (London: C. Poplett.)

This is a strange mixture of fanciful The assumptions and Scripture truths. author wishes to show that Ezekiel's vision of the four cherubims is a symbolical representation of our modern railway system; but in endeavouring to establish his views, he puts his ideas into the Bible instead of drawing them from it. The Scriptures were given to enlighten us about spiritual realities, which we could not discover of ourselves; and not about physical science that falls within the province of our own

reason.

The Soldiers of France. By J.

B. P. (London: Morgan and
Chase.)

We have here a brief but interesting record of the gospel labours of an English lady amongst the French soldiery. A good deal of important information is given of French manners and customs. We learn that there is less drunkenness and dissipation than is to be found in the English army; but that the great want in the French army and hospitals is 66 a ministry of love," and Christian services, which are highly valued. The Junior Clerk. A Tale of

City Life. By EDWIN HODDER. (London: Hodder and Stoughton.) Parents and guardians would do well to place a copy of this interesting and instructive book in the hands of those just commencing their career amidst the temptations of a great city.

The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life. By H. W. S. (London: F. E. Longley.)

It is certain, as the author teaches, that with more simple trust in the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, and with more child-like submission to our heavenly Father's will, there would be more spiritual peace and strength; but then statements are made that seem to render unnecessary such exhortations as these: "Labour for the food that endures to everlasting life;" "Give diligence to make your calling and election sure;' "Fight the good fight of faith." Such works need to be read with carefulness, or impaired spiritual sensibility may be confounded with the signs of true holiness.

Women in the Reign of Queen

Victoria. By MADAME R. A. CAPLIN. (London: Dean and Son.) This volume opens with an interesting chapter on the characteristics of our Queen's reign. The second chapter shows the stupendous fact that Queen Victoria reigns over one-fourth of the human race, and that every fourth woman on the face of the earth is her subject. Much useful information is given about professional women, female workers and their work.

My dear Old Home, and the Sisters. By J. B. L., Author of "Lotty Wilson," &c. (London : Elliot Stock.)

The first part of this book may interest the young, and the latter part may also profit them in the matter of temper.

The Hive and ts Wonders.

(London: Religious Tract Society.) This is a most instructive and interesting book to put into the hands of the young. It would be improved if the religious ideas were seen in every case to arise naturally and spontaneously from the general subject.

Outside the Fold. By THOMAS W. AVELING, D.D. (London : Hodder and Stoughton).

This is an appropriate compliment to the spring address concerning matters "Within the Fold." Our relations to other churches-to Evangelistic and benevolent associations-to the commercial, political and educational activities of our times, and the duties arising from these relations are dealt with clearly and practically. The chairman of the Congregational Union gives the fruits of his long pastoral experience in a form that may prove most hopeful to his brethren.

Life in the Southern Isles, &c.

By the Rey. WILLIAM WYATT GILL,
B.A. (London: Religious Tract
Society.).

We made Mr. Gill's acquaintance when he was recently in this country, and from his intelligence and the enthusiasm of his missionary spirit we are not at all surprised to find his book unusually interesting and instructive. While, of course, there is much that is entirely new to us, among other things we were greatly struck with the heathen ceremonies on the re-appearance of the constellation of the Pleiades, which held an important place in their mythology, as determining the commencement of the new year, and was welcomed with frantic dances and discordant shell music. We thank Mr. Gill for his book, which will prove a most acceptable new year's gift, especially to our juvenile friends.

The Veil Lifted from Israel;

What Israel ought to do; and Hymns
and Hebrew Melodies for Israel. By
T. K. DE VERDON. (London : S.
W. Partridge).

Mr. De Verdon is one of those who think that the Anglo-Saxons are the house of Israel; that we have been going over all the world searching for the lost ten tribes, whilst we could have

found them nearer home; and that we in England especially are Ephraim, to whom such abundant promises were made. The question is deeply interesting, and deserves investigation.

Rivers of Waters in a Dry Place.

(London: Religious Tract Society). The name of Robert Moffatt has long been a power and a charm in all parts of the world. This brief account of the introduction of Christianity into South Africa, and of Mr. Moffatt's labours there, will be read with special interest by all the friends of Missions.

Our Ethel; a Polished Corner Stone. By the Author of "God's Truth," &c. (London: W. Hunt and Co.)

A beautiful illustration of faith and patience in a consumptive sufferer, and likely to benefit any in like circumstances. Love Sweetens Truth; or, How

Caleb Conquered. (London: Religious Tract Society).

An interesting story of a lad who lost his mother when he was but young, and who started out in his chequered life with little else than a mother's blessing, which he found to be a rich legacy.

Finney. Written

Memoirs of Rev. Charles G. by himself. (London: Hodder and Stoughton). We have a very distinct and happy recollection of seeing and hearing this eminent American Evangelist some 30 years ago, when he was preaching in London. We have not forgotten his commanding figure and his forcible

utterance. We welcome this autobiography of a good man, who did a good work on both sides of the Atlantic. We are not a little amazed at the amount of labour which is here set forth, and we are exceedingly struck with the full recognition of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, by which his labours were rendered so eminently successful.

BRIEFER NOTICES,

School Pictures drawn from Life. (London: Religious Tract Society.) Short but interesting stories of boys and girls, from which older boys and girls may learn useful lessons.-Setma, the Turkish Captive. (London:,Religious Tract Society.) This is a story, translated from the German, of the daughter of a Turkish merchant who, in a remarkable way, became acquainted with the truth as it is in Jesus.-Lady Clarissa. By Emma Jane Worboise. (London: James Clarke and Co.) A story of considerable interest, powerfully written.-Up to Fifteen: A Tale for Boys. By the Author of " Only One." (London: Religious Tract Society.) We have here a story of considerable in

terest, which will be found very instructive to lads on leaving school and starting for life.-Soldier Sam, and Lillie's Dream. (London: Religious Tract Society.) These pretty interesting stories illustrate the favourable and useful influence of children.--Uncle John's Stories for all Weathers. (London: Religious Tract Society.) This is a famous book for young folks, and will show them how to be useful and how to be disagreeable. The Snow-Drops; or, Life from the Dead. (London: S. W. Partridge and Co.) A pretty and elegantly printed little volume containing a simple story of domestic sorrow and its salutary discipline, with attractive illustrations specially suited to the young.

LONDON CONGREGATIONAL UNION.On Tuesday, November 7th, the halfyearly meeting of this Union was held at the Memorial Hall, James Spicer, Esq., in the chair. The Revs. J. C. Harrison and Dr. Raleigh offered prayer. After the Chairman's address, the Rev. Ll. Bevan read a paper on "How to do our Aggressive Work from Church Centres, and by Legitimate Use of Church Agencies," on which an interesting discussion arose. The Rev. B. Waugh moved, and Rev. G. M. Murphy seconded, a resolution relating to the election of members for the School Boards, and the importance of carrying out the provisions of the Act of 1870. In the evening, a public meeting was held in the large hall, under the presidency of James Spicer, Esq. After singing and prayer, the Chairman, in his address, observed that the society had not been more than three years in existence, but is growing in strength every day. The Rev. J. Foster and the Rev. W. M. Statham spoke on "Christian Work in London,"

and the Rev. Dr. Parker on "Congregationalism in London." The Rev. M. Jones concluded the proceedings with prayer.

The

HANTS CONGREGATIONAL UNION.The autumnal meetings of this Union were held on the 17th and 18th October at Southampton, under the presidency of the Rev. H. H. Carlisle, LL.B. On Wednesday, the 18th, the president gave his inaugural address on "Power to work for Christ." At the business session, the treasurer, W. O. Purchase, Esq., presented the accounts. total expenditure for the year was £937 93. 6d. The Rev. J. E. Fowler, M.A., read the report of the general committee. The Evangelistic committee's report was presented by the Rev. J. W. Walker, B.A. In the evening, a public meeting was held at the Watts' Memorial Hall, W. O. Purchase, Esq., in the chair. Addresses were given by Mr. H. J. Orchard, the Rev. R. A. Davies, and the Rev. J. W. Walker, B.A., &c.

CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL, LEWISHAM. -The meeting of the Congregational School for the education of ministers' sons, for the half-yearly election, was held on Tuesday, October 31st, at the Memorial Hall; the Rev. J. G. Rogers in the chair. After prayer, the Rev. J. Viney, honorary secretary, read the minutes. The meeting was then addressed by Mr. Rogers, who urged the claims of the institution, drawing attention to the fact that while there were eighteen candidates for admission only five could be elected: He recommended that at least ten boys should be received, and that special appeals should be made to meet the extra cost of £150. A resolution was passed suggesting the reconsideration of the question of admitting "lay-boys" as day scholars. The Rev. T. Rudd, the principal, spoke in strong terms of the high moral tone and general condition of the school.

SUSSEX HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY. -The annual meetings were held at Brighton, on Monday and Tuesday, October 30th and 31st. The general meeting was held on Tuesday morning, The Rev. J. H. Wilson, and Mr. S. Morley, M.P., were present from the Home Missionary Society: The income for the year, including £200 from Home Missionary Society, exceeded £1,000. A public meeting was held in the evening in the Town Hall, Mr. Morley in the chair The Rev. A. Foyster read the report, and the meeting was addressed by the Rev. J. Graham, late of Sydney, Rev. J. H. Wilson, Rev. C. J. New, and several of the evangelists, who gave gratifying accounts of their work among the people in their districts.

SALOP ASSOCIATION. - The autumnal meeting of the Salop Association of Ministers and Churches was held at Oswestry, on Tuesday morning, October 24th, at Hermon Chapel. The Rev.

on

T. Gasquoine, the president, gave an address on 66 Congregationalism in its relation to National Morals." Papers were read by Mr. C. Horne, M.A., on the "Present Relations between the Church of England and the Nonconformist Bodies," and by Mr. C. Minshall 'Children and the Church." The association is in a prosperous condition. Mr. Minshall was chosen chairman for next year. In the evening a meeting was held in the Public Hall, Mr. The Thomas Barnes in the chair. secretary read the report. The Revs. M. Simon, J. B. Walton, and T. Robinson delivered addresses. The meeting was closed in the usual way.

BERKS ASSOCIATION.-The autumnal meeting of the Berks Association, which includes part of South Oxon and South Bucks, was held at Maidenhead on Tuesday, November 7th. The Rev. William Orr in the chair. S. Morley, Esq., M.P., and the Rev. J. H. Wilson represented the Home Missionary Society. The Rev. D. Martin read a paper on "Prayer." In the evening, there was a public meeting, Mr. Morley in the chair. The Rev. Dr. McAuslane, E. Shalders, and others, spoke on "Church Work,' ‚” “Christian Unity," and "Home Evangelization.'

DORSET ASSOCIATION.-The meeting of the Dorset Association of Congregational churches was held at Swanage on Wednesday, October 25. The Rev. W. Lewis in the chair. Addresses were given by the Rev. J. W. Sampson on "Christian Churches: The Objects for which they Exist," and by Rev. T. Toy on "The Privileges and Duties of Church Members."

HERTS CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATION. -The annual meeting of this association was held at Berkhampstead on the 29th of October, and following day. On