clear, sparkling rivulet, coming down | see by their tracks) to the well that from the high hills, not with torrent-"never dries up."

leap and roar, but with the steady It reminded me of the waters of life flow and soft murmur of fulness and and salvation, flowing from the "Rock freedom. It flowed down to the high- of Ages," and brought within reach of way side. It was within reach of all men by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. every child's little pitcher. It was Every other brook may grow dry in the enough for every empty vessel. The days of drought and adversity, but this small birds came down thither to heavenly spring never ceases to flow. drink. The sheep and lambs had trodden down a little path to its brink. The thirsty beasts of burden along the dusty road knew the way (as I could

Without waiting till earth's wayside brooks shall fail, let every child hasten at once, with heart athirst, to the heavenly well, "which never dries up."

Christian Work.

surgeon,

MEDICAL MISSIONS IN CHINA. cal Missionary Society there, one of THE first person who systematically the first proceedings of which was to brought medical aid within reach of open an hospital at Macao, in the year the Chinese, was a British 1833, under the auspices of Dr. LockDr. Livingston, who opened a small hart. His hands were greatly strengthhospital at Macao in 1820. Dr. Col- ened in the following year by the arri ledge, of America, followed his example val of Dr. Benjamin Robson, who, after a few years later; and there can be no labouring at Macao until 1842, prodoubt that both of these benevolent ceeded to Hong-kong, and there, during men became instruments of much good a very long period of disinterested in the prosecution of their arduous labour, served the Medical Mission duties. In 1835 Dr. Parker, also from cause very conspicuously, both as an the United States, arrived at Canton, eminent practitioner of the healing art, and lost no time in establishing an and as the author of scientific works hospital for diseases of the eye. These admirably adapted for the instruction affections are very numerous in China; and training of native students. and as the beneficial effects of treat- The Society has an hospital at Canment are in such cases too obvious to ton, and a dispensary at Fuh-shan, be mistaken, and are readily appre- both under the able superintendence of ciated, a remarkable sensation Dr. John G. Kerr. The former of these speedily created in the surrounding institutions afforded advice during the country, so that patients of all ranks past year to 15,986 out-patients; the crowded to the hospital, even from latter to 5,015; while no fewer than distant parts of the empire. A great 427 children had been vaccinated. opening took place in consequence for The number of in-patients was 427, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and more than 400 surgical operations and religious tracts; and it may readily have been performed. Some of these be conceived that many opportunities operations were of considerable interest of dropping a word in season occurred in a scientific point of view; and the to the medical man, who had gained whole list is not only very creditable an avenue to the hearts and confidence to the able surgeon and his assistants, of his patients by his successful treat- but enables us to estimate the great ment of their bodily infirmities. This, be it remembered, is the grand secret of Medical Missions. It is here that their great strength lies-in convincing men, by substantial, indisputable proofs, that their welfare is really sought.

was

The great success of Dr. Parker at Canton led to the formation of a Medi

amount of benefit the hospital confers upon the teeming population both of Canton and of the surrounding country.

Two additional dispensaries, one of them at Shin-hing, under the care of the Rev. R. H. Graves, M.D., the other at Shik-lung, under the Rev. A. Krolczyk, are maintained by the Society.

General Baptist Incidents.

MR. KINGSFORD'S PROPOSAL,

commencement of the union it was AND WHAT CAME OF IT. required that every one who was adIN 1783, Mr. William Kingsford, a mitted should subscribe the six articles worthy and opulent gentleman near which were then adopted. But in the Canterbury, proposed a plan for incor- Association at Hinckley, in 1775, it porating the whole body of General was the opinion of a decided majority Baptists in the kingdom into a kind of "that subscription to a creed was not trading union, by which manufacturers needful, but that it was sufficient if a and tradesmen, masters and servants person who wished to join the Conor apprentices, landlords and tenants, nexion gave in his experience to the persons wishing to retire from business Association, and then withdrew while and those desirous of engaging in it, it was debated whether he should be might readily gain intelligence of each admitted or not;" and that if this other, and easily open a communica- question was carried in the affirmative, tion. This plan was, in 1783, sub- the applicant should be called in, and mitted to the General Assembly in Lon- a declaration of what the Connexion be. don, and to the annual Association lieved respecting the most fundamental of the New Connexion, and, being doctrines should be made to him, "that," generally approved by both these say they, "we may try if there be an meetings, was ordered to be laid before agreement in religious sentiments." the churches. In 1784, the subject Thus individuals were admitted into was discussed at large in the Association at Kirton. The members of that meeting, jealous lest, by endeavouring to act with the General Assembly in temporal concerns, their religious sentiments should be injured, previous to the discussion of Mr. Kingsford's plan, passed this resolution:-"It is the unanimous voice of this Association that we find ourselves obliged in conscience to except against what we call

'a close union' with all ministers and

the Association; for it was not uncommon then for ministers to be ranked as members of the Association whose churches were not in the Connexion.

A PAINFUL ACCIDENT. ON 10th Oct., 1797, Mr. Thomas Truman, assistant minister at Kirkby Woodhouse, who had laboured amongst them with great approbation for more than six years, went to deliver an churches who assert the purity of the Immediately after the conclusion of evening lecture at Loughborough. human nature, or deny the proper the service, he set out on his return to atonement of Christ for the sins of his residence at Quorndon; and though man, and justification before God and some of his friends offered to accomacceptance with him enjoyed by faith pany him, on account of the darkness in Jesus Christ and not by works, of the night, he declined the proposal. which we apprehend to be very funda- He had scarcely proceeded half a mile mental doctrines in the gospel system." when he met a cart, and at the same They added, by way of explanation, time a person, supposed to be intoxithat by excepting against a "close cated, rode past the carriage. The union," they meant that they could not darkness prevented Mr. Truman from exchange pulpits with such ministers, receive members from such churches, nor make collections for the erection of their meeting-houses. The plan itself was approved, but never carried into

execution.

seeing the approach of the horse, and the noise of the cart from hearing it; threw him down, and severely bruised so that the horse, running against him, him. Some of Mr. Truman's friends immediately coming up, conveyed him back to Loughborough. Here he asNOVEL MODE OF ADMISSION sisted in undressing himself, and was INTO THE CONNEXION. put to bed. A surgeon was sent THE method of admitting persons into for, who, after examining his bruises, the Connexion naturally became an declared there was no danger. In a few early subject of deliberation. At the minutes, however, he expired.

and Art.

Science and

LUZERINE.-M. Caminade has discovered that the roots of three kinds of lucern, the Medicago media, M. falcata, and M. maculata, produce excellent paper pulp. The roots are crushed and dried, and then left to soak in water for about three weeks. The pulp is said to be equal to that of ordinary rags, and besides its paper-making properties, produces salt of soda, and a colouring matter called by the inventor luzerine.

FRANÇOIS JOSEPH HEIM, the prolific artist, is no more. His drawings were remarkable for their boldness and originality; his pictures exhibit a great mastery in composition, and sometimes excellent coulouring. Among his best known works are, "The Resurrection of Lazarus," and the "Massacre of the Jews," in the Luxembourg Gallery."

Mr. HERRING, the celebrated animalpainter, is dead. His favourite "animal" was the horse.

MR. HERBERT'S "Moses' Descent from Sinai," which is in the Peers' Robing Room of the Houses of Parliament, has been photographed by Messrs. Cundall and Fleming.

NOVEL SHIP.-An experimental vessel, on an entirely new principle, is about MR. THURSTON THOMPSON has, by to be laid down by an eminent ship- the aid of four burners of magnesium building firm. It is described as a light light, succeeded in taking photographs draught roller ship, or water chariot. of Mr. Maclise's "Death of Nelson," This invention consists in supporting a recently finished in the Royal Gallery at car, or vessel, above the water-level, on Westminster. axles, or shafts, passing through rotary hollow drums, or cylinders, which are made to revolve on their axles by steam, or some other motive power. This car, or vessel, constructed to carry passengers and freight, is supported by the buoyancy of the drums, and kept suspended above the water-level. The advantages of the invention are said to consist in increased speed at a much less expenditure of motive power and fuel, and, from the light draught of water, greater safety from shoals and rocks, &c. It would be highly useful for the navigation of shallow creeks and rivers.

NEW GUNPOWDER.-Near Potsdam, in Prussia, gunpowder is being made from wood, on something like the guncotton principle. By machinery, Capt. Schulze cross-cuts beach, and other timber, into very thin veneers, which are easily crumbled into coarse-grained powder, or sawdust, which is then exposed to the action of acids, probably in much the same way that cotton is to form guncotton. The grains are thus reduced in size, and rendered explosive when dried, without yielding either smoke or smell in the combustion.

RICHARD COBDEN.-The model bust of Richard Cobden, which has been commanded by the Emperor of the French for the gallery at Versailles, is now finished, and M. Oliva, the accomplished sculptor, is at work on the marble one.

PRESIDENT LINCOLN.-An admirable photograph of the late President of the United States is now republished in this country by Messrs. Bacon and Co. conveys a noble idea of the warm-hearted and high-minded President.

It

THE ECLIPSES OF THE PAST MONTH. The partial eclipse of the moon, owing to the singular clearness of the night, was a most brilliant object. The eclipse of the sun, on the contrary, owing to the inclement weather, was altogether invisible.

THE SPOTS ON THE SUN.-Very large spots have been distinctly seen on the sun at setting, and, as they were visible to the naked eye, they must be of enormous magnitude.

MONUMENTAL.-A colossal equestrian M. LEVERRIER has announced to the statue of Prince Eugene has been recent- French Academy the appearance of a ly unveiled at Vienna. It is by the new comet. It is scarcely the light of well-known sculptor, Fernkorn.-The a star of the 14th magnitude. The new statue to O'Connell to be erected at comet is recognised as the comet of Dublin is entrusted to Mr. Foley.-A Faye, discovered in 1843, the time of bronze statue to the Earl of Eglinton has whose revolution is about seven years been erected at Ayr. and a half.

Literature.

A SPRING HOLIDAY IN ITALY.* | open; in the centre a little garden, and

WITH a keen eye for colour, a sensitive and poetical temperament, a well-stored mind, and a facile pen, Mr. Maclaren has been able to write eight of the pleasantest chapters on Italy that have appeared for many seasons. He has grouped his remarks around the four chief cities of Italy, Naples, Rome, Florence, and Venice. We do not propose to give any sketch of this book, since it would not be possible thereby to do justice to its varied attractions. Two or three citations will perhaps better convey an idea of the whole than any such analysis. Take this as one.

It is an account of

POMPEII.

usually in the middle of the interior wall, a fountain in an alcove, decorated with elaborate mosaics. This is the general plan of house, varied according to rank and taste. We wandered from street to street, noticing the touching signs of daily life suddenly suspended. How solemn trifles become when they are doomed to perpetuity-as if a cataract had been sudits descent, and every tiny drop of spray denly turned into ice in the full rush of fixed and stiffened for ever where it danced! Look at that pillar; down near its base are two or three letters rudely scrawled; some little child has been playing there, and began to write his A B C at the height which his tiny fingers could reach, and has perhaps been snatched up by a frightened mother on that dreadful August day, now near 1800 years ago. Here are rude "My first impression was very different electioneering squibs scribbled on the from what I had expected. You do not walls. Here is an inn with the chequers feel that you are looking at a ruined city. still painted on the door-posts, and the The streets are silent, and when you pass fragments of bridles in the stables. Beinto the houses and find the ferns growing side it is a drinking-shop with the circular in the walls, and the patches of bright stains from the feet of the wet glasses that mosaic lying about among rough brickwork, were set down in terror when the ashes and here and there a touch of fresco lin- began to fall, still visible on the marble gering after the rest, the sense of desola- counter. There, rudely scratched on the tion becomes oppressive. But, at first, you plaster, is the shopkeeper's score against a see a long straight street with its pave- customer; here some forgotten tradesman ments and side walks in perfect preserva- has scrawled up in red paint a recommention, and the houses, though low and un-dation to buy his wares, and tell us that he roofed and windowless, yet with walls is worthy. There is a baker's oven with strong and regular, running in continuous the bread never drawn from it, and here is lines as far as you can see, and you would a handmill at which perhaps two women' not be much surprised if the ancient were grinding that day. There a skeleton owners were to stalk out in Roman toga was found beside a table strewed with upon you. The upper floors of the houses bread, chicken bones, wine jars, and garhaving been probably wooden, have all dis- lands of flowers, as if he had been surprised appeared, but what remains is so fresh and at a solitary debauch. Here lay another solid, that I felt a shock of surprise in laden with silver cups which had impeded looking at it. I need not carry you in his flight. Nor are there wanting traces detail through all the streets, for even if of nobler emotions in that hour of despair. we had time for that, it would be but a re- This was the barrack, and inside its enpetition over and over again of one im- trance-gates thirty-four skeletons were pression. We turn into one of the houses, found, helmeted and armed, the guard for and find ourselves in a quadrangle, with a the night, who, obedient to the last to the portico running all around, from out of grand sentiment of strict obedience, stood which open a number of small rooms. On at their dismal post, and died where they their walls are fragments of frescoes; you had been bidden to die. And there is a kick against bits of the mosaic pavement still more touching sight. That little that once floored them. Passing through mound of consolidated ashes fell upon and this first quadrangle by narrow passages covered a whole family. Breaking an on its inner side, we are in another square, aperture in it, and pouring in plaster of with another colonnade all around it, from which the bed-rooms and dining-rooms * A Spring Holiday in Italy. By A. Maclaren, London: Simpkin, Marshall, & Co.

Paris, a complete cast has been obtained of the whole group, giving the very texture of the dress, and the wavy folds of the hair. There is a young mother clutching

a child to her bosom, and holding another | snuff consumed by dignitaries, who looked firmly by the hand; a faithful slave follows all the while absorbed in their devotions, bearing some hastily-caught-up valuables, and considerably spoiled as a spectacle by but the falling ashes have overwhelmed them, and covered up remorselessly the pitiful tragedy. Vain the mother's love, the fidelity of the servant! And yet not vain, if it touches hearts so long after with a thrill of compassion, and sets us to meditate on the immortality of the love that binds us to our dear ones!"

Here is a second, describing

THE POPE'S ADORATION OF THE RELICS.

holstery was gathered up, and the crowds streamed out into the sunny piazza. I saw nothing like worship in any face but the Pope's, nothing like belief in the thing they were doing; but semi-decorous performance, or utter vacuity on most of

the ludicrous effect of the soles and heels of 200 pairs of boots becoming simultaneously visible as their owners kneeled. After a few moments here, they proceeded to the front of the high altar, where a similar ceremony was gone through, with the addition that one attendant held a printed prayer before his Holiness, and another a candle for him to read it by. Then they all rose, and this white-haired old man humbly approached the statue of St. Peter, "Great crowds were flocking up all the and after kissing the toe with great fervour, narrow streets to the piazza, but the church placed his own reverend white locks beswallowed them all up, and the thousands neath the bronze foot, and gently moved only made two thin lines up the centre, his head backwards and forwards in abject and a knot or two at the various places submission. This ended the ceremony. where his Holiness was to pray. Amongst The people rushed to kiss the foot after them were some pilgrims who had come the Pope, the cortège swept away, the upfor the Easter ceremonies, ill-looking fellows, with foul sandals, broad-leaved hat, gourd for a water-bottle, rosary and staff, and all the rest of the properties. Presently came the Pope's Swiss guard, in their yellow, black, and scarlet striped uniforms, with their long shining steel the faces." halberts ringing as they grounded arms on the marble pavement. Then servants bearing great bundles of carpets, and THE THRONE OF GRACE.* cushions, and prie Dieus, with crimson velvet draperies, busied themselves. It THIS is a very useful manual on the duty, took a great deal of trouble to get a place privilege, and blessedness of humble, ready for a pope to pray in. At last the earnest, and persevering prayer. The great central door was thrown open, and in twelve chapters are headed-Gracious the gracious sunshine without we saw Invitation, Answered Prayer, Promised the white nodding plumes and glittering Help, The Mighty Intercessor, The Comweapons of the escort. Slowly the procession moved up the great aisle, first the passionate High Priest, Help and DeliPope's noble guard,' then his Holiness, a verance, More Grace, A Divine Promise, benevolent face, with a hale red in the Christian Joy, Mutual Prayer, Persecheek, an eye rather given to stay in the vering Prayer, A Sacred Pledge. After corners of the eyelids, and pure snowy a brief exposition of the matter selected white hair. He was dressed in white, for each chapter, there follows a prayer, with a red cape and white skull cap. He and one or more selections of sacred moved slowly up the aisle, bestowing bene- hymns bearing upon the particular dictions with two fingers of his hand and subject. a whisper of his lips over the double file of spectators, who fell on their knees as he passed. It was very odd to notice the kneeling movement run along the line. Behind him came a crowd of cardinals and dignitaries, a blaze of purple, violet, and scarlet mingled with the soberer browns and grays of the monastic orders, the black of the secular clergy, and the quaint black velvet doublets and hose, with high ruffs, gold chains, and silver-hilted swords of the Pope's chamberlains. The whole cortège halted at a side chapel in the right aisle, where the Pope knelt before a prie Dieu, and all his suite behind him in the same for October. devout attitude, which was rather marred as a religious exercise by the quantity of

BOOKS RECEIVED. Hengstenberg on John, Vol. II. T. & T. Clark, Edinburgh.

The Great Propitiation. By J. H.
Mann. James Nisbet & Co.

sell. Elliot Stock.
Calls to the Cross. By Arthur Mur-

Lending to the Lord. By Hickman
Smith. Elliot Stock.

Sunday Magazine and Christian Work

London: A. Strahan,