visitations, he was, in his younger days, and, indeed, till within a few months of his death, emphatically a happy Christian. He was noted in his family and neighbourhood for his constant habit of singing at his employment, whatever it might be. His knowledge of Wesley's hymns was surpassed by few; and the singing of some favourite hymns together, on the rare occasions when he had either of his three remaining children with him, formed one of his chief enjoyments. His children being, in the order of Providence, removed to a distance from him, all feel it one of their greatest comforts to know that his last years were greatly smoothed and cheered by the loving care of his second wife, to whom he was most tenderly attached. The leaving her to finish her pilgrimage alone, he more than once referred to, as the only bitterness death would have for him. The Sabbath was truly his delight, especially his working Sabbath; but of late his journeys to country appointments were taken with much pain and difficulty; and it became evident to all that the earthly tabernacle was failing, and that his work here was nearly done. A few weeks before his death he made an effort to walk to Down Hurstbourne, to preach; but some months of pain had so weakened him, that he was obliged to return home, and submit very reluctantly to rest. To the surprise, however, and gratification of our friends, he consented to take the week-night service at Andover, on the 9th of November, when his marked allusion to his own spiritual experience, contrary to his usual custom in the pulpit, was such as has been fitly called since, his dying testimony. Some of his hearers, little thinking what was so soon to follow, remarked after the service, that they had never seen him in such a heavenly and happy frame of mind. In giving out his favourite hymn, commencing "Thou hidden source of calm repose," he dwelt with a faltering tongue upon each verse, telling what comfort he had derived from it in many seasons of darkness and sorrow; and on his return home, his cheerfulness dispelled all the anxious solicitude of his wife, who had feared that the service would be too much for him. The following day he wrote his last letter to his son, and in concluding said, "As regards my health, I am as well as I ever expect to be in this world, but I have a glorious hope beyond the grave." The latter part of his life for a few weeks was a time of unusual depression, from physical and other causes; but on Monday the 12th of June he was better and more cheerful than usual, and able to attend to all his ordinary duties. In the evening, at the usual time, he read to his wife, according to custom, a chapter in the New Testament, and after that some pages of religious biography, entitled "Perfect Peace," and then-it was finished. One remark to his wife, "I really think I feel better to-night," and their earthly communion was over; he never, to our knowledge, spoke again. He was found shortly after in an apoplectic fit, and after breathing gently for about nine hours, went home to rest. "So He giveth His beloved sleep." It was hard to have no parting word or look; but though this has rendered the pain of survivors more acute, we have comfort in knowing that he suffered none; and the parting scene was not permitted to distress him. His family, amid all the desolation caused by such a loss, nevertheless feel unbounded gratitude; because, after a life so full of trial and bereavement, the remembrance of which was at times almost more than he could bear; yet, in answer to many prayers, an oft quoted promise was signally fulfilled: "And it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light." Literary Notices. THE LACEMAKERS: SKETCHES OF IRISH CHARACTER, &c. By MRS. MEREDITH. 8vo, boards. Pp. xvi. 376. London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder. THE Irish potato-blight and its resultant famine and disease, followed by a terrible mortality, excited the compassion, not only of England, but also of America, and indeed of the civilised world. Numerous cargoes of grain, flour, pulse, clothing, and various other necessaries were sent to relieve the universal calamity of the country, by which myriads of lives were saved, and much sorrow and misery staved off. And whilst an immense amount of charitable relief was thus afforded, great numbers of people where raised to comfort by the introduction of new branches of industry, suited to their genius and circumstances. Among others were several different modes of producing lace fabrics,-by pillow and bobbins, and by the crochêt hook, which were largely patronised by English and American ladies. The manufacture of these articles spread into many localities, and was the means, for some years, of bringing a large amount of money from other countries into Ireland. The taste for Irish lace prevailed for some years; afterwards fashions changed, English machinery for making lace of every possible style rapidly reached a degree of perfection that rendered it difficult for even good judges to distinguish the article thus produced from that made by the more tedious process of female fingers plying hooks, bobbins, and needles, and the Irish lace trade declined. The account of its rise, progress, and decay, given in this volume, is exceedingly interesting, as are also the "Sketches of Irish character," with which it abounds. S. T. The volume contains several tales of love and marriage, touched with the pencil of romance and more or less veiled with mystery. They may be real life pictures, or they may be creations of the imagination, perhaps they are a blending of both. There are some curious revelations of politics and religion as well as of social life, that all who know Ireland will readily accept as true. The grasp of the priesthood upon the Celtic part of the population of "the Emerald Isle" is as complete as the all-pervading power of gravitation in the material universe. TEMPORAL PROSPERITY AND SPIRITUAL DECLINE; or, Free Thoughts on some Aspects of Modern Methodism. By a WESLEYAN MINISTER. Hamilton, Adams, and Co. HAVING inquired of our official reviewer if he had seen the above book, he said, "No;" and asked the writer, who had read it, to give a notice of it. The book is divided into chapters, under the following general heads :Introductory; Methodism, its humble, but earnest Outset; Chapel Committee Cases; Can Churches be sta Divine tionary? Monetary Influence; Simplicity, Man's vain Show, Failures; Conversions in Primitive and Modern Times; Time to mourn, Corruptors, The Sensuous; The Pious Poor; Lack of Leaders; Sustentation Fund; A Word to Carpers and small Friends; Drawing Rooms and Kitchens; Lay Agency; Our Ministry ; Resuscitation of Discipline. The author certainly says some plain things. The title of the book is ominous. "Temporal Prosperity and Spiritual Decline." These two things are evidently linked together in the author's mind; and it must be admitted that the history of the Chris To follow the author, and note down all the subjects he censures, would require more space than can be spared. One subject, however, he does not censure-the giving of ministers too much for their work. He does not appear to augur any danger in this respect. In fact, he satirises the liberality of those societies that invite supernumeraries to sit down in their midst with the tempting offer of "a house to live in ;-but what to live upon? Upon the house-top by faith and by fasting; to feed on the wind, on the fresh and fine country air ?" (Page 35.) Many have thought, although it has not entered into the mind of our author, that Methodism is in danger from the preachers marrying rich wives, and getting connected with the wealthiest families. The writer gives us a very fair and just description of the vast machinery of Methodism, and yet notices that after working for one year (1864) the result is only about 300 increase. "This is a matter," he says, that calls for anxious attention and searching inquiry." (Page 36.) Now another year has passed away, and, as the district returns show, with about the same result. We may well ask, "Has Methodism had its day ?" "The chapel committee," writes our author, "has done well and nobly during the last few years. Threequarters of a million for the creation of chapels, and more than half a million of chapel debts liquidated. But what is it, compared with the enormous expenditure for snuff, tobacco, and drams? What is it, compared with the large amounts annually absorbed, among even professing Christians, in needless indulgences, luxuries, superfluities, in the lust of the eye and the pride of life,-our own churches not excepted." (Page 69.) Speaking of chapel openings, our author is peculiarly caustic. have had a long list of chapels erected, of elegant design, of noble structure, with commanding front, and some with costly decorations, with towering turrets or lofty steeples. We have had long advertisements, a splen ... "We did programme, a series of sacred services from men of superior talent, who have come from afar; there have been crowded congregations, good sermons, large collections; everything has gone off well. Everybody has seemed more than pleased, even proud of the whole affair, which was pronounced 'a grand success;' . . . and yet, when the whole has been wound up, in full many instances, we have scarcely heard whether there was any Holy Ghost, whether the Lord was among them or not." (Page 117.) These are serious charges. Are Methodist chapels now opened with a flourish of trumpets, and yet the Holy Spirit grieved and shut out? On the subject of costly chapels, our author is very severe, but not, perhaps, more so than the practice deserves. He copies the description of a chapel, from the Chapel Report, which cost about £10,000 (page 124). "Shall we," he asks, "continue to spend large sums on lofty towers and stony fingers," to the amount, perhaps, of four hundred pounds, at least, each ?-a cost enough to support five single men. And whilst the high tower, or the metal cross, or the lofty spire would serve chiefly as a roost for birds of the air, these home missionaries might, like their master, be going about doing good." (Page 138.) The following language is as strong as any used by Reformers: "There may be some among us who are Puseyitish. Many who have not quite arrived at Rome may be 'Romeward.' It is too notorious to conceal that some of those who were once in our schools have become the rankest Puseyites. The Establishment is running after Rome: are we not running after the Establishment? Are not the first germs of a sensuous worship being introduced among us?" (Page 151.) Again, there was a chapel opened where the Communion table" was more like an altar in a Romish chapel. The variegated colours on the crimson communion cloth, the large Gothic-looking chairs, with their crimson cushions,-in short, the general appearance was positively Popish." (Page 224.) The world may be brought into the church, our author thinks. "Style, man style, style may reign supreme there; the outward appearance, that on which God looks least, but looks most. Little may be seen and realised, except that which is visible to the eye. It may not be inward spiritual worship, but sensuous ternalism." (Pages 236-7.) ex Our author's style is verbose enough, and he is very partial to the Socratic method-hence his numerous interrogatories. "In the splendid sanctuaries, have there not been some splendid sermons? Besides the painted window, has there not been painting here and there in the pulpit,-a stained sermon as well as stained glass ?" (Page 263.) If things are in Methodism as set forth by this writer, may we not write on the lofty spires of her splendid chapels, "Ichabod "-" The glory is departed ?" How far it is right to follow fashion in chapel architecture it would be presumptuous in us to say. So little had these matters occupied our attention that it is not long since, in walking to a country appointment, we observed on our line of road a new steeple had risen. "Dear me. I don't remember that there was any church being built on this road." When we reached the spot, however, what was our astonishment to find that it was a spire attached to a congregational chapel, for which the ground had been purchased years before, but the building had not been put on it for want of funds! But now they had not only raised the building, but had spent four or five hundred pounds for a steeple.* Now, we are very much of the opinion of good Mrs. Sims, who, when applying to a contributor for his contribution to the Local Preachers' Association, is met with a negative.-"I shall pay no more, Mrs. Sims." have contributed largely to this building. Now, I want to know of what use is a steeple ? Your poor old brother, worn out in the Lord's service, has looked to you to help to keep him out of the workhouse, and you have turned away, and contributed ten times the amount you used to give us to help to raise a useless steeple." ("LOCAL PREACHERS' MAGAZINE," 1865, page 368.) Perhaps the time is coming, “when judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin there, what will the end be of them who obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Pet. iv. 17.) THE CLASS AND THE DESK: A MANUAL FOR TEACHERS, BEING NOTES OF PREPARATION FOR THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. London: James Sangster and Co. Multum in Parvo-much in a little, may be fairly claimed for this excellent publication. It consists of a series of scripture lessons, chiefly in the gospels, with multitudinous explanatory notes, an analysis of each lesson, and a number of practical inferences and deductions, the whole taken from standard works of the highest repute in exegesis and theology, both foreign and British. It is being issued in monthly numbers of 24 pages, small 8vo, toned paper, to be completed in twelve parts at the small price of twopence each. It is thoroughly evangelical, and may greatly assist young local preachers in preparing for the pulpit, as well as Sunday school teachers and superintendents in preparing for the duties of the school. THE GARDENER'S MAGAZINE. THE June issue of this valuable work contains a great variety of articles, most of which are interesting, and some of them highly important, not only to practical gardeners, but to students of nature and lovers of the beautiful and good. Taste and fancy, also may find much in its pages that is gratifying and suggestive. The humblest cultivator of flowers in a crowded city, and the largest grower of either useful or elegant vegetable forms, may glean something worth having from this ample publication. OLD JONATHAN for June has two large and handsome wood-cuts; one of Covent Garden Market, with its summer-throng and supplies; the other of a country scene illustrative of the story of the little girl whose faith in prayer and in the God who "heareth prayer," was shown by her taking an umbrella in her hand to the prayer-meeting that was to be held, at which prayer was to be offered for rain, after a long continued drought, when rain began to fall before the meeting broke up. A good homily on the prayer of faith is based upon the story. The rest of the number is filled with excellent matter, as usual. DEATH BED AND FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. JOHN MARRIOTT. THE Vicar of Ratcliffe, near Nottingham, having had his attention called to the concluding paragraph in the memoir of Brother J. Marriott, that appeared in the February number of this magazine, page 51, has called upon a member of the Publication Committee, and complained of what is alleged against himself, as having refused to allow a hymn to be sung at the grave, though requested by his dying parishioner. The Vicar states that no such request was made, but that a contrary wish was expressed by the dying man, who also expressed the desire that his corpse might not be taken into the church; a request against which the Vicar objected, as liable to be misunderstood and to have therefore an evil effect upon some minds. As for singing at the grave, as it is contrary to law, he could not permit it if asked, and thinks it better for friends of a deceased person to sing at home. He always had the highest respect for Mr. Marriott, who, he is sure, would have been one of the first to complain, if alive, of the statement made in the impugned paragraph. It is to be regretted that any point should have been misstated by persons supposed to have known the facts, and therefore this correction is made on the authority of the vicar himself. WHEN you are an anvil, hold you still; when you are a hammer, strike your fill. Poetry. THE SABBATH. O DAY of rest and gladness, The first light had its birth; From storms that round us rise; With streams of Paradise ; Thou art a cooling fountain In life's dry, dreary sand; From thee, our Pisgah mountain, We view the Promised land. Thou art a holy ladder. Where angels go and come; Each Sunday finds us gladder, Nearer to heaven our home; A day of sweet reflection Thou art a day of love; From earth to things above. The silver trumpet calls, Dr. Wordsworth. Phenomena of the Months. AUGUST. THE advance of summer is now clearly marked in the varied hues of the forest foliage, the whitening of the fields for harvest, the ripening of large tree fruit, and the comparative silence of the feathered inhabitants of our woods and dells and glades. Insect life abounds, however, its ceaseless hum and buzz being almost as much known in the crowded lanes and alleys of our towns and cities as in the open country, and much more annoying to man. Yet it is an undoubted benevolent provision of the All-Disposer, that just when the overflowing vegetation is about to enter on its annual period of decay, that portion of the animal kingdom which is most useful in clearing away all kinds |