which I had seen and heard, I perceived the angel coming towards me, who had interpreted the mysteries of my former dream.

As soon as he drew nigh he asked me why I looked so perplexed. I told him. He then said that he would gladly make plain the visions which I had seen.

"You saw a door, did you not ?" said the angel, "a small door, and a young girl trying to enter it. That door is the way of life. 'Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life.'

"You saw, too, that it was with difficulty that she entered that gate-that she could not get through at all, until several bundles were taken off that were fastened about her person. She could not even remove them herself. One bundle was made up of her past sins. Another contained pride; another, love of the world; another, self-will. Others, passion, selfishness, an unforgiving temper, and so forth.

You noticed that two friends within the gate came out to her assistance, after she had cried much, and that one took off from her shoulder the heavy burden of sin. This was the Lord Jesus, who taketh away the sin of the world. You saw that the other friend took off from her the bundles of pride, self-will, passion, and so forth. This was the Spirit of God, by whom the nature of man is regenerated, his evil propensities eradicated, and holy principles implanted and developed.

Immediately after passing through the narrow door, leading into the way of life, you observed that the young girl was met by a queenly-looking person, whose hands were both full of rich

jewels and treasures. Her name was Wisdom. 'Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left riches and honour.' By-and-by you saw that she had to pass through certain waters that lay along the route, some of which were deep, whilst others were muddy. You noticed as well that black shadows seemed to hover over those waters, which made her countenance sad.

The waters were the afflictions and sorrows of life. The shadows hovering over them, were the doubts and fears of unbelief.

"You observed that the girl every now and then took a sip from a bottle which she carried with her, and which seemed greatly to encourage her. This was 'the cup of communion with Christ.' You saw that she also sent a winged-messenger from her to a great distance, who flew very swiftly, and that he brought rich things back-such as the grapes of consolation--the wine of gladness-of which she ate and drank, much to her well-being. This winged-messenger was Prayer.

"You would like no doubt to know the meaning of those brilliant and beautiful flames of fire, that were thrown off, ever and anon, from the soul of the young girl, and which burned with enduring splendour for ages, and which, in fact, never died out. They were the words of kindness, to which she was always giving expression, and the deeds of mercy that she was ever performing. When she met the sorrowful she tried to cheer them. When she knew that they were sick she visited them. When she met the outcast she sought to lead them to the Saviour. She was rich in deeds of mercy. She was rich in doing good. You heard that she sang very sweetly as the brilliant flames were thrown off from her soul. You forgot what the words were. I will therefore repeat them. They were these:

Kind words, which are spoken,
To wayfaring men,
Though desponding and sad,
Will cheer them again.
In deeds of compassion,
'Tis good to abound,
The sweetest of pleasures
Are in the work found.
Every merciful deed

With splendour shall shine,
And shall light up our past

With glories divine.

'Tis the least deed of love
That beautifies life,
That revives the faint heart,
All wearied with strife.

In good deeds to abound,

I always will try ;

For grace to perform them,

To God will I cry.

"I need not tell you,” said the angel, "about the city. Just a word, you may like to hear of the spirit of the once young girl, which you noticed passing in at the pearly gates. You saw that she was speaking to you, but you could

not understand what she said, because she spoke in a new language. She bade you to go to her Sunday-school, and to her home, and to exhort her fellowscholars, and brothers and sisters, and father and mother, to enter the narrow way, and to follow on until they, too, arrive at the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem."

I awoke, and, lo, it was a dream.

The Four Evangelists; with the distinctive characteristics of their Gospels. By EDWARD A. THOMSON. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark. 1868.

THE material of this book is here presented in the third stage of its existence. First it was delivered in the form of Sunday morning lectures, to a Free Church congregation in Edinburgh. Secondly, it was contributed in a series of six articles to the " Journal of Prophecy." Now it appears as a neat volume of 180 pages. As may be inferred from this account of the original purpose of his work, the writer addresses himself to an intelligent audience, although not to the professional student. He has fulfilled his task carefully and skilfully. His style is clear and direct, and his treatment of his subject interesting. Teachers of Bible

classes would find his book a good "basis of operation;" and thoughtful readers of the Gospels will find here much useful information and suggestion given in a compendious and convenient form.

The Mystery of Suffering, and other Discourses. By E. DE PRESSENSÉ, D.D. London: Hodder & Stoughton. THE subjects of the Discourses on Suffering in this volume are:-The Origin of Suffering; Consolation; Suffering in its bearing on Conversion; Suffering in relation to the Christian Life; Suffering for the Truth's sake; Compassion. The other Discourses are on Christian Mysticism; The voice of the Church and the cry of the Human Heart; The Sins of Religious Speech; The Supernatural at the bar of Conscience; The Adoration of Mary, the sister of Lazarus; and the Jubilee of the French Revolution. The first of these series of Discourses was

published in the "Pulpit Analyst," and well deserved republication in this form. We cordially recommend the whole, for the quiet hours of thoughtful Christians. The Days of John Knox. A Tale of the Sixteenth Century. By the Author of the "Dark Year of Dundee." London: T. Nelson & Sons.

GLORIOUS days were the days of John Knox. Scotland Scotland, and not alone, but the world, is reaping the fruits of them still. Stern as his his country's rocks, and gentle as country's wild flowers-John Knox was made by nature and grace for the work which was given him to do. And the present generation cannot do better than study his character and his times, and the various elements of good and evil which were in earnest conflict in the sixteenth century. The beautiful volume now before us, cannot fail to interest, and wherever it interests it will profit. We commend it heartily. Margaret, the Pearl of Navarre.

A

narrative compiled from authentic sources. Edinburgh: Oliphant & Co. THIS brief, but lively and graphic sketch of the life and times of a most gifted and noble woman, cannot fail to be read with interest, and to create a desire for further acquaintance with those stirring and eventful times, the early days of the French Reformation, in which Margaret and her noble daughter played so distinguished a part.

The World at Home; or, Pictures and Scenes from far-off Lands. By MARY and ELIZABETH KIRBY. London: Nelson & Sons.

Of all the new books for children, which we have seen this year, we like this the

best. The title, "The World at Home" is explained in the preface, as given "because it brings the world, that is so full of wonders, to our own fireside." A large collection of interesting and striking natural facts are here brought together, each made the subject of a very bright little sketch, and each illustrated by a beautiful wood engraving. We cannot suppose a book more adapted than this for awakening the interest of even the very little ones, in this world of wonders; and we shall anticipate with interest the "other volumes of the same authoresses, by which they propose to carry the reader still further, and give him a taste for deeper research."

Lame Allan; or, Cast thy Burden on the
Lord. Edinburgh: Oliphant & Co.
A SIMPLE story of Christian faith in
humble life.

The Hive. A Storehouse of Material for

Sunday School Teachers. Vol. I., 1868.
London: Elliott Stock.

EARLY last year we noticed favourably the first numbers of this little periodical. We are glad to find that it has run its course for twelve months; and the result is a volume which we very cordially recommend to Sunday-school teachers. There is a series of papers on "The Work," written in an excellent spirit, and with sterling common sense, and well worthy of being read by ministers as well as Sunday-school teachers. The volume contains also many valuable sketches of lessons, addresses, &c.useful "Jottings on Texts," and much besides which may be of service to the teacher. Superintendents of schools would do well, we think, to promote the circulation of this magazine.

The Children's Treasury, 1868. The Book Society, Paternoster Row. THIS is the annual volume of a halfpenny monthly, and an interesting little treasury it is, full of pictures and stories, and in each number a Bible exercise, which many a Sunday school teacher might find helpful among the little ones..

The Mothers' Friend; Annual Volume. London: Hodder & Stoughton.

THIS is a good periodical of its kind. We sometimes wish it were less exclusively adapted to the educated mother; and we think, too, that an occasional paper on such every-day matters as children's diseases, clothing, feeding, and ventilation, would make a good and

useful variety. The first number of the new year is greatly improved.

Old Jonathan, 1868. London: Collingbridge.

THE annual volume of a penny monthly, something of the same character as the "British Workman," but, we think, inferior to that periodical. The diminu tion in the size of "Old Jonathan," which has taken place with the new year, will add to its readableness.

The White Foreigners from over the Water. The story of the American Mission to the Burmese and the Karens. Religious Tract Society.

THIS little book is written for the young, and while it will be read with interest by all who can appreciate heroic doing and suffering in the cause of truth, its lively and graphic style, and pictorial illustrations will commend it to that class for whom it is specially intended even very young children will find here something to fix and rivet their attention.

Richard Blake, and His Little Green

Bible. By M. H. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter & Co.

A LITTLE book well fitted to interest and profit.

The Young Pilgrim: A Tale illustrative of

the Pilgrim's Progress. By A. L. O. E. London: Nelson & Sons.

THIS is a "Child's Companion to the Pilgrim's Progress." "That invaluable work is frequently put into youthful hands long before the mind can unravel the deep allegory which it contains; and thus its precious lessons are lost, and it is only perused as an amusing tale." We can heartily commend A. L. O. E.'s attempt to translate the great allegory into the thoughts of children. It is published in a very beautiful and attractive form.

On the Way: or, Places Passed by Pilgrims. By A. L. O. E. London: Nelson & Sons.

A. L. O. E. was conscious of the difficulty of re-traversing in part the ground already trodden by her, but has succeeded, notwithstanding, in producing a book for which children will thank her. The little tales which make up "On the Way" will be read with interest and profit.

Lost in Paris, and other Tales. By EDWIN HODder. London: Hodder

and Stoughton.

Mr. EDWIN HODDER knows well how to cater for the young, and his books are all interesting and wholesome.

The Pulpit Analyst. Vol. III. London: Hodder and Stoughton.

on

THE Pulpit Analyst for 1868 forms an
able and attractive volume "after its
kind." Readers will turn to the series
of papers
Misread passages of
Scripture," by the Rev. Baldwin Brown,
with interest. They are ably, powerfully,
and eloquently written. Professor God-
win gives a new translation of the Gospel
according to Mark, with notes, which
will be valuable to the preacher of God's
word. There are several sermons by
men whose praise is in all the churches,
and there are 66
outlines," translations,
&c., of more or less excellence.

Ways and Means: A Story of Life's
Struggles. By CLARA LUCAS BALFOUR,
Author of "6
Morning Dew-drops,"
"Women of Scripture," "Sketches of
English Literature," &c., &c. London:
W. Tweedie.

THIS tale is intended to exhibit the evil results of intemperance. It is natural in its delineation of character, and winds up with a catastrophe which it is to be feared is not very uncommon in the case of those who "follow strong drink." The style is occasionally a little too ambitious, and the descriptions somewhat laboured; but as an exhibition of the ruinous effects of intemperate habits it has our hearty approval and commendation.

The Holy Land: Past and Present. Sketches of Travel in Palestine. By the Rev. HENRY S. OSBORN, M.A. London: Virtue & Co.

SPECIAL and augmenting interest seems to gather around Palestine. Once, myriads went forth in the spirit of fanaticism to deliver it from the oppression and defilement of the Saracen; now,

travellers and explorers go on a mission of Biblical and scientific inquiry to deliver it from the misrepresentations of " ecclesiastical tradition." This is the special object of the volume before us; but, combined with this, there is much that is interesting in local description, and not a little that is valuable in Scriptural elucidation. The book is a smaller edition of a larger work, and is chiefly intended for the young. To them it will yield information at once solid and varied, enabling them more fully to understand and appreciate the truthfulness and accuracy of the Scriptures. The more advanced, however, who may have read other works on Palestine, would not be disappointed by a perusal of Mr. Osborn's book.

Violet and Daisy: or the Picture with

Two Sides. By M. H. Edinburgh :
Johnstone, Hunter, & Co.

THIS is a simply-told and well-written tale. It is free from the extravagance and unnaturalness of much of the fiction now issuing from the press, and illustrates and enforces the duty and happiness of remembering "the poor and suffering." It may be read with pleasure and profit, especially by the young.

The Fortunes of Cyril Denham. By EMMA JANE WORBOISE, Author of "Thornycroft Hall," "Violet Vaughan," ""St. Beetha's," &c. London: James Clarke & Co.

THE author of this tale is now a voluminous writer. Her books appear with a rapidity that is truly marvellous; and still they are not wanting in vivacity, force, and felicity of conception. The present is not, perhaps, one of her best productions, but it is not deficient in her usual characteristics, and will be read with interest, and, it may be, admiration, by those who are familiar with her writings.

The Life of Jesus. For Young People. By the Editor of "Kind Words." Profusely illustrated with original engravings by Messrs. J. and P. Nicholls. London: Henry Hall, Old Bailey.

AMONGST the many books for the young on the Gospel History, we have seen none which we like better than this. The events of our Lord's life, from. beginning to end, are treated consecutively, and illustrated by the knowledge of Oriental scenery and customs which we owe to modern travel. The spiritual

lessons of the History are brought out simply and truthfully, and the numerous engravings are chaste and good.

The Chatterbox. Edited by ERSKINE CLARKE, M.A. London: William Macintosh. The Children's Prize. Edited by ERSKINE CLARKE, M.A. London: William Macintosh.

THESE are the annual volumes of two Children's Serials, the one a halfpenny weekly, the other a penny monthly. We do not know which we like best. They are both perfect treasuries of stories, and pictures on all manner of subjects. The engravings are suited for children, and are wonderfully good, and many a father and mother, we doubt not, will enjoy looking over them as much as the youngsters.

The Shepherd with His Lambs; or, Chapters and Songs on all the Scriptures that connect together Christ and Children. By A. J. MORRIS, late of Holloway. London: A. Miall.

THERE is a touching interest attached to this little book, from the fact that the dear and honoured friend, just gone to his rest, occupied some of his last days in thus ministering to Christ's little ones. The passages in the Gospels showing the connection of Christ with children, are here taken up consecutively and treated with much delicacy, tenderness, and Christ-like simplicity; and some of the songs at the head of each chapter are very beautiful. To Christian parents in general, and especially to those who had the happiness of knowing Mr. Morris, we heartily commend this little volume.

A Book for Governesses. By ONE OF

THEM. Edinburgh: Oliphant and Co. THOUGH not one of the class for whom this little book is written, we have read it with the deepest interest and sympathy. The authoress appears to be one of the numerous class whom reverse of circumstances has thrown into her present position; but, having given her whole mind and heart to her new sphere, now brings out the result of a varied experience for the encouragement of others similarly situated. The position of a governess, in all its aspects, is here treated with much practical wisdom. Noble and strengthening thoughts are expressed often with so much eloquence and pathos that the book cannot fail to bring comfort and stimulus to every earnest-hearted teacher. Mothers as

well as governesses will do well to ponder the contents of this very unpretending but excellent little book.

Old Merry's Annual. London: Hodder and Stoughton.

ever.

THIS Annual is as attractive as What between its stories, its pictures, and its puzzles, "Merry and Wise" cannot fail to be popular.

Congregational Church Membership. By Joseph Ackland. London: Hodder and Stoughton.

WE are glad to hear a layman's voice in favour of the old, and, what we venture to call, the scriptural principles of onr body. The objections against our existing system are recognised by Mr. Ackland as twofold in character-" one series applying directly to the principles on which our system is founded, and the other class dealing with the incidents of procedure in putting these principles into operation." The former he repels entirely; and he believes that even the incidents of our procedure do not need alteration, "though in some cases they require more judicious working' We trust that this clearly and ably written pamphlet will have wide circulation.

Centenary Celebration of Cheshunt College. 25th June, 1868. London: Hodder and Stoughton.

THIS Volume contains the sermon by Mr. Binney, the address by Dean Alford, the speeches at the dinner, and the essay on the character and work of the Countess of Huntingdon, by Mr. Allon, for the delivery of which there was not time. Many will cherish this memorial of a deeply interesting occasion.

Memoir of George Steward, Author of "Mediatorial Sovereignty." London: James Nisbet & Co. THIS memoir needs only to be known to commend itself to Christian hearts. The story it contains is not without interest. But it is the man himself, as he is revealed in his letters and conversations, that forms the charm of the book. And yet "charm" is scarcely the word. It does not convey an idea sufficiently deep or lofty or solemn of the impression produced by communion with George Steward. He "walked with God" in a manner that few attain to, and that heart must be very "far off" indeed which is not drawn heavenward by converse with this holy man.