bucket(Photo supplied by the Press Studio.)MUSCULAR TRAINING AT THE NAVAL SCHOOL, GREENWICH.(Photo supplied by the Press Studio.)BUCKET-OF-WATER RACE AT THE NAVAL SCHOOL.
(Photo supplied by the Press Studio.)MUSCULAR TRAINING AT THE NAVAL SCHOOL, GREENWICH.(Photo supplied by the Press Studio.)BUCKET-OF-WATER RACE AT THE NAVAL SCHOOL.
(Photo supplied by the Press Studio.)
MUSCULAR TRAINING AT THE NAVAL SCHOOL, GREENWICH.
(Photo supplied by the Press Studio.)
BUCKET-OF-WATER RACE AT THE NAVAL SCHOOL.
Possibly the most unique Band of Hope in the world is that which is held in the Royal Naval School, Greenwich. It was founded so far back as 1871, by Samuel Sims, an honoured agent of the National Temperance League, and upon his death, in 1892, was taken over by Mr. W. S. Campbell, as the League's representative. No pressure at all is put upon the lads to induce them to join the Band of Hope, but, as a matter of fact, most of the lads in the school readily do so, and the present membership is fully a thousand strong. Regular weekly meetings are held, and the annual gathering, which is held in the great gymnasium, is a most inspiriting spectacle. A visit to the Royal Naval School, if it should happen to be in recreation time, cannot fail to afford considerable satisfaction to those who like to see Young England at play. Every type of healthy pastime is encouraged in its turn, and these young abstainers have frequently shown that they are well able to hold their own. It is encouraging to know that the principles of total abstinence are not discarded when the lads pass out into the Royal Navy or Mercantile Marine, for every year large numbers of them are drafted into Miss Weston's well-known temperance society.
The appointment of a special Sunday for the preaching of sermons on temperance originated with the Church of England Temperance Society many years ago. Owing to various circumstances, it is not possible for the Church of England clergy to take one Sunday simultaneously for the whole country, but each diocesan Bishop makes choice of a day and issues a pastoral letter to his clergy, so that at one period of the year or another the whole country is covered, so far as the Church of England is concerned. The Nonconformist bodies have, however, for some years past, fixed upon the last Sunday in November for Temperance Sunday, and as we go to press we learn that this year special reference will be made to the importance of Sunday Closing.
December 18th.—The Captivity of Judah.
To read—Jer. lii. 1-11. Golden Text—Jer. xxix. 13.
This chapter describes the fate of Judah. Later kings were all wicked. Warnings of Jeremiah and other prophets all been in vain. Time has come for judgment. Captivity in Babylon, long foretold, now about to commence. Came about in reign of Zedekiah. The eleven verses of this lesson almost identical with Jer. xxxix. 1-10.
I.The King(1-3).His name.Originally Mattaniah, was son of good King Josiah and uncle of late King Jehoiachin. Jeremiah had prophesied of a future king (Jer. xxiii. 5-7) as the "Lord our righteousness." The king assumed that name, and was called Zedekiah.
His acts."Did evil," but had not always been altogether evil. Had made covenant with nobles and priests to abolish slavery (xxxiv. 8-10). But his great wrong was breaking his solemn oath of allegiance to king of Babylon (2 Chron. xxxvi. 13). This looked upon as his crowning vice (Ezek. xvii. 8), for which God's anger was upon him (ver. 3).
Lesson.When thou vowest a vow defer not to pay it.
II.The Siege(4-7). City besieged for last time. Jews never forgot day it began. Was January—tenth day of their tenth month. Great mounds or (earth-works) outside walls to shoot burning arrows, etc.; houses outside thrown down (Jer. xxxiii. 4). Famine and pestilence soon ravaged crowded population inside.
The assault.City, after eighteen months, taken by assault at northern gate (B.C. 587). King and his family and royal guard escaped by passage between two walls (Jer. xxxix. 4), by royal gardens, down steep descent towards Jericho. There he was overtaken and made prisoner. His broken oath caused his destruction (Ezek. xvii. 20).
Lesson.Evil shall hunt the wicked to overtake him.
III.Babylon.He was taken to Babylon. His sons killed in his sight, then his eyes put out, bound with chains, kept in prison till death. Feeble in will, faithless in promise, judgment came upon him.
Lesson.1. The word of the Lord standeth sure.
He who buys the truth makes a good bargain. Zedekiah dealt in falsehood and lost his throne. Esau sold his birthright for a basin of soup. Judas made a bad bargain when he sold his Lord for the price of a slave. Take heed to the thing that is right, for that alone shall bring peace at the last.
December 25th.—A Christmas Lesson.
To read—Hebrews i. 1-9. Golden Text—St. Luke ii. 11.
This letter written to the Hebrews, i.e. Christians of Jewish birth who clung to the priesthood and services of the Temple as well as to Christianity. St. Paul shows how far the Christian system was superior to and superseded the Jewish. The types and ceremonies of the Law fulfilled in Christ, whose birthday is kept at Christmas.
I.God's Revelation(1-2).Past.God revealed or unveiled Himself of old. This revelation inferior in three ways, viz. (1) It was given gradually, in portions, a part at a time. (2) Given in divers manners, under many figures and types. (3) Given by prophets, only human.
Present.Final revelation of God's truth—once for all given to the saints (Jude 3). Given by His Son—the Word of God (St. John i. 1, 2); heir of all things—God's agent in creation of the universe.
II.God's Son(3-9).Great in Himself.Has Divine glory—the outshining of the Father's glory. He is God's image, the counterpart of the Father. To see Christ is to see God (St. John xiv. 9).
Great in His work.(1)Upholderof the universe as well as its Creator. (2)Saviour.Came not only as prophet to reveal God's will, but to purge man's sin. This He did by Himself with His own blood (ix. 12, 14).
Greater than angels.In His person, His work. His exaltation to glory; testified by Scripture,e.g.Psalm ii. 3 tells of Christ's eternal Sonship—also referred to by St. Paul as fulfilled in His resurrection (Acts xiii. 33).
King over all.Christ also a King. Rules in righteousness (Psalm xlv. 6, 7); received throne as victor over His enemies—sin, death, and the devil (xii. 2). Raised high above all.
Lesson.Christ is King—honour Him; He is Saviour—love Him; He is God—fear Him. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and so ye perish. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.
A weaver, who had made an elaborate piece of tapestry, hung it upon the tenterhooks in his yard. That night it was stolen. A piece of tapestry was found by the police, which seemed to answer the description; but, as the pattern was not unlike that of other pieces, they wanted more definite proof. It was brought to the weaver's yard, and there the perforations in the fabric were found to correspond exactly to the tenterhooks. This was proof positive. In like manner, if we place the life and character of Christ against all the prophecies of Him in Scripture, they will be found to correspond exactly.
January 1st.—Christ the True Light.
To read—St. John i. 1-14. Golden Text—Ver. 4.
New Year—new course of lessons. This Gospel records the deeper spiritual truths of Christ's teaching, especially about His own Nature and Person. It sets Christ forth as God. St. John tells his object in writing a fourth Gospel in chap. xx. 31, which the class should read.
I.The Nature of Christ(1-3).Eternal.In the beginning, not of the world, but before all creation, from everlasting.Divine Word.Christ is the expression of the mind of God. Came to reveal God to man (xv. 15).Living Person.The Word not a mere attribute or power of God but a distinct Person. "With God" from everlasting. Not inferior to the Father, but very God Himself.Creator.As well as Saviour and Governor of the world (read Col. i. 16, 17; Heb. i. 2).
II.The Office of Christ(4-13).Source of Life.As very God He had life in Himself, which He poured forth on His creation (vv. 25, 26; xvii. 2).Source of light.The life from Son of God is cause of man's inward spiritual light by which he is saved.Himself the light.World was in spiritual darkness at Christ's coming.Giver of light.No man has light in himself, however great his natural powers. All true light is from Christ.
Rejected.By His own. The world He made knew not its Creator (1 Cor. i. 21). The nation He chose to be His own special people (Deut. vii. 6) received Him not.
Received.By a few—both Jews and Gentiles; such as Nicodemus the ruler (iii. 1, 2), the disciples from Galilee (ii. 11), and others. How did they receive Him? By believing in Him. This faith, itself the gift of God, rewarded by further privilege of becoming God's sons—born into God's family by a new and spiritual birth (iii. 3).
III.The Glory of Christ(14). Word was made flesh by taking to Himself man's human nature. He dwelt (literally"pitched His tent") with men, full of mercy to heal bodies and souls, full of God's truth to teach.
Lessons.1.Hold fast the Christian faith.Jesus Christ one for ever with the Father.God—eternal, glorious, Creator, Giver of light and life to the soul—yetMan, like one of us.
2.Live the Christian life.Jesus is our example, that we should follow His steps.
A little girl in a London slum won a prize at a flower-show. Her flower was grown in a broken teapot in a back attic. When asked how she managed to grow the beautiful flower, she said her success came from always keeping the plant in the only corner of the room ever favoured by a sunbeam. Only by walking in the light and sight of God can Christians truly grow and bear fruit.
January 8th.—Christ's first Disciples.
To read—St. John i. 35-46. Golden Text—Ver. 36.
Christ now thirty years old; has been baptised and received special outpouring of Holy Ghost (ver. 33), and also been tempted in the wilderness (St. Matt. iv. 1). Is now ready for His public work and ministry. Now begins to win disciples.
I.The first two Disciples(35-40).Heard of Him.Picture Christ walking near the Jordan. St. John, who had baptised Him, points Him out to his followers. Describes Him: this the Lamb of God to Whom all the sacrifices pointed; the innocent lamb slain told of the death of the spotless Son of God for man's sin. His words went home.
Followed Him.Who were they? Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, and probably St. John, writer of the Gospel, brother of James. Why did they follow? To learn more of Him. Had been baptised with baptism of repentance. Sense of sin led them to seek the Saviour. Christ knew their thoughts, encouraged them to learn more of Him (St. Matt. xi. 28, 29).
II.The third Disciple(41, 42). The two friends separate the next day, each in search of his brother. Andrew soon finds his—eagerly tells the news. They have found the long-expected Messiah, the Anointed of God. Brings Simon to Christ. No greater proof possible of having really found Christ than bringing another to Him. Christ looks with eager and searching eye at Simon—reads his very heart, sees his longing after truth; gives him a new name, Cephas (Hebrew) or Peter (Greek), meaning "a rock" or "stone." What did this signify? His bold and determined character, strong in the faith (St. Matt. xvi. 16), eager in defence of Christ (xviii. 10), and, after his fall and forgiveness, strong in love (xxi. 15).
III.The fourth Disciple(43, 44). Philip of Bethsaida. Must have heard his friends talking of Christ. Probably stirred in his heart. Christ found him, as He afterwards found Zacchæus St. (Luke xix. 5). His mission to seek as well as to save. Happy they who obey Christ's call and follow Him.
IV.The fifth Disciple(45, 46). Philip soon shows marks of discipleship. He finds Nathanael. Tells him how Christ fulfilled prophecies, such as of a "prophet" like unto Moses, a "king" whose name should be "the Lord our righteousness" (Jer. xxiii. 5, 6). Nathanael asks in honest doubt if it can be possible for the Messiah to come from despised Nazareth. Philip did not argue, but bade him "Come and see"—the best cure for all doubts.
Lessons.From the Baptist: The dying Saviour the greatest magnet for drawing souls.
From Andrew: Show religion first at home.
From Simon: Taste and see how gracious the Lord is.
From Philip: Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
From Nathanael: Hearken unto me, and I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
A traveller lost in the snow on the Alps was rescued by one of the famous dogs of St. Bernard. When restored to consciousness his first words were, "There's another." The monks to whom the dogs belonged continued their search, and "the other" was found and saved. "Are you saved?" Is there not another whom you can rescue from sin and bring to the life of God?
arrows
LLast month we published full particulars of our scheme to provide Christmas Stockings for the many poor and friendless little ones who are not on Santa Claus's visiting list, and we appeal to our readers for their hearty practical co-operation in this work. Each stocking will contain wholesome goodies, in the shape of cake and sweets, in addition to an unbreakable toy and a Christmas card. The Proprietors ofThe Quiverhave headed the subscription list with a donation of £25, which is sufficient to provide the contents of
Last month we published full particulars of our scheme to provide Christmas Stockings for the many poor and friendless little ones who are not on Santa Claus's visiting list, and we appeal to our readers for their hearty practical co-operation in this work. Each stocking will contain wholesome goodies, in the shape of cake and sweets, in addition to an unbreakable toy and a Christmas card. The Proprietors ofThe Quiverhave headed the subscription list with a donation of £25, which is sufficient to provide the contents of
FIVE HUNDRED CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS FORPOOR AND FRIENDLESS CHILDREN,
a sum ofone shillingbeing sufficient to furnish a stocking and pay the postage. But, as we can profitably distributethousandsof such presents, we confidently look to all lovers of the children to lend their generous aid, in order that as many as possible of the destitute little mites may have their Christmas brightened by such a welcome gift. We shall also be glad to receive recommendations from our readers of suitable cases for the receipt of the stockings, and for this purpose the special application form to be found in our Extra Christmas Number ("Christmas Arrows") should be used. As the time is short, contributions for the Christmas Stocking Fund should be sentat onceto the Editor ofThe Quiver, La Belle Sauvage, London, E.C., and all amounts of one shilling and upwards will be thankfully acknowledged in our pages.
almsCURIOUS ALMS-BOX IN PINHOE CHURCH.
CURIOUS ALMS-BOX IN PINHOE CHURCH.
CURIOUS ALMS-BOX IN PINHOE CHURCH.
In the interesting parish church of Pinhoe, near Exeter, appears a very curious alms-box surmounted by the figure of a man who seems, from his costume and general character, to date from the period of James I. He holds two books in his hand—representing most probably Bible and Prayer Book—one of which bears the inscription, "YePoor Man of Pinhoo, 1700," but from information with which the vicar of the parish, the Rev. Frederick W. Pulling, has kindly supplied us, it appears that the books were added in 1879-80, when the church was restored. Previously the figure held a small flimsy box in front of him. He was, however, placed on the present handsome oak box bearing the inscription, "RememberyePoor," and the old flimsy box was removed. The present box was constructed from some very ancient timber from the roof of Salisbury Cathedral, when under repair. What the figure was originally intended to represent—whether a beadle, the dispenser of charities, or a relieving officer—is not known. Curiously enough, the parish records are quite silent as to the figure, and when, some time since, it was repaired it was sent to the eminent antiquary and ecclesiologist, the Rev. Mackenzie Walcott, who said he had seen only two such figures before. The wooden backing is of Jacobean style, and was designed by the architect in 1879 to strengthen the whole structure.
After the marvellous achievements in his two Chinese campaigns, which were sufficient to have made the reputations of a dozen ordinary colonels, Gordon came back to England in 1865 as poor as when he left home. During the next six years, which he spent in Gravesend as an engineer, the future keeper of Khartoum devoted a large portion of his leisure to visiting the sick and to teaching and training many of the ragged and neglected boys of the rough neighbourhood. So truly did these poor lads love their colonel that it was not uncommon to see chalked up on the walls the singular inscription, "God bless the Kernel." Their gratitude was apparently stronger than their orthography. When Englishmen reflect how Gordon placed his Divine Master first in every enterprise of his life, they must feel that no institution intended to honour the dead hero at Khartoum can be a worthy memorial which is not grounded on the rock of Christianity.
Christmas is pre-eminently the season of universal good-will, and the custom of conveying seasonable greetings by means of the attractive Christmas card is every year becoming more general. Amongst the publishers of these mementoes Messrs. Raphael Tuck and Sons take front rank, and the specimen box of cards, calendars, story-books, and illustrated texts, recently received from them, affords ample proof that the variety and artistic excellence which have always characterised their productions are well maintained this year. Some of the cards are veritable works of art, and deserve more than the temporary appreciation usually accorded to such; but the palm for novelty, both in design and treatment, must be accorded to the calendars, many of which are most original in conception, and all are daintily and tastefully produced.—For years past we have been accustomed to look for a Christmas book from Mr. Andrew Lang, and this season he has edited an edition of "The Arabian Nights Entertainments," which Messrs. Longmans have published in a charming cover, and with a number of clever illustrations by Mr. H. J. Ford.—Another suitable gift-book for children is "His Big Opportunity" (Hodder and Stoughton), a brightly written story by Amy Le Feuvre; whilst for young people what more inspiriting and interesting work could be presented to them than the life-story of the pioneer missionary, "Mackay of Uganda," of whose biography a new illustrated edition has just been issued by the same publishers.—We have also received the current yearly volumes of our contemporaries,Good WordsandThe Sunday Magazine(Isbister & Co.). These would both form valuable additions to any Sunday-school library, and are also admirably adapted for use as prizes or presents.
laughing(From a Photograph.)THE LAUGHING GOD OF CHINA.
(From a Photograph.)THE LAUGHING GOD OF CHINA.
(From a Photograph.)
THE LAUGHING GOD OF CHINA.
An Irishman being bound over to keep the peace against all the Queen's subjects, said, "Then Heaven help the first foreigner I meet!" We are reminded of this when we see people civility itself to a good servant they are afraid of losing, or to the strongest-willed person in their home, and then relieving their pent-up feelings by being rude to the rest of the family.
"Have you any gods around here?" inquired an English traveller in rural China. "Oh, yes," replied a venerable Celestial; "the three Pure Ones, the God of the Fields, and the Goddess of Mercy." "My old friend, I am afraid your gods are not a few." "Foreign teacher," said the old man, "verily, verily, our gods are ten thousand and thousands of thousands." Some are of stone, others of wood,clay, or bronze. One may be purchased for a farthing, another will cost £200. The Laughing God in our illustration is a representation in coarse pottery of Quantecong, supposed to be the first emperor. There are laughing Buddhas for sale, and some few images of beneficent mien; but the great horde are intended to inspire awe or terror. The second illustration is a well-executed terra-cotta figure of a deified warrior. The drawn sword and beard are similar to those of Kwante, the God of War, regarded as the head of the military department in China. In 1,600 state temples dedicated to him the mandarins worship once a month, and in thousands of smaller temples he is honoured with sacrifices of sheep and oxen. His worshippers believe that he was a general, who just about the time that the Prince of Peace came to this world in great humility made the enemies of China to tremble. The elevation or manufacture of gods is a simple affair. The keeper of an idol shop collects the heads, limbs, and trunk that he has moulded out of mud, unites them in one ill-proportioned figure, slips a frog, snake, lizard, or centipede into the hole in the back, and the idol is ready for dedication and worship! The calm, colossal Buddha at Peking is seventy feet high, but it can only witness to a blind feeling after God.
The romance of New Testament manuscripts is again enlarged; this time by the discovery of a papyrus fragment containing a part of the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The precious sheet was found in the Libyan desert, about one hundred and twenty miles south of Cairo, by Messrs. Grenfell and Hunt, the discoverers of theLogia. It is thought that this fragment may be older by a hundred years than any other manuscript of the New Testament hitherto available. Its value, had it been a whole book instead of two leaves, would have been priceless. Even so, it is of singular interest. Its actual history, of course, is beyond discovery, but its appearance amongst the world of scholars reminds us of the strangely varied channels through which Greek manuscripts of the New Testament have come down to us. There is the romantic story of the discovery, in a monastery on Mount Sinai, of the priceless manuscript known as theCodex Sinaiticus. There is the scarcely less valuableCodex Alexandrinuswhich the British Museum now guards; that came to England as a gift to King Charles I. from a Patriarch of Constantinople. There is the great manuscript which is one of the glories of the Vatican Library at Rome, where it is believed to have been ever since that library was founded. There is theCodex Ephraemiat Paris, its ancient writing partly legible beneath a much later work written over it—a manuscript which once belonged to Catherine de Medicis. There is another palimpsest brought to England from a convent in the Nubian desert. There is the manuscript presented by Laud to the Bodleian, and supposed to have been used by the Venerable Bede. In truth, the history of these treasures is full of romance, and it is but fitting that new discoveries should furnish other examples of the strange ways in which the text of the Holy Scriptures in various parts and forms has been preserved for us.
war(From a Photograph.)A GOD OF WAR.
(From a Photograph.)A GOD OF WAR.
(From a Photograph.)
A GOD OF WAR.
While nothing can be so distressing to a clergyman, whose duty it is to solemnise marriages, as irreverence or flippancy, he can hardly fail to be amused, if many of his people are poor and his area is wide, at the occasional results of a genuine ignorance, or a legitimate nervousness. A well-known church in Central London can furnish several singular and recent experiences. It is not often that either of the contracting parties comes furnished with a prayer-book, but on a certain occasion the bride, a rather strong-minded-looking lady, did so, and insisted on holding it sternly and steadily under the nose of her future spouse. In repeating the passage in which "cherish" occurs, a bridegroom, in a faltering voice, expressed his willingness "to love and to 'perish.'" "Oh, sir, I do feelthatnervous!" once pleaded another embarrassed swain in the middle of the service. A widower, who was extremely awkward and stupid in making the responses after the minister, apologised by saying, "Really, sir, it is so long since I was married last that I forget"! Another bridegroom, though middle-aged, seemed somewhat diffident with regard to his responsibilities, and answered to the inquiry,"Wilt thou love, comfort, honour, etc.?" "To the best of my abilities I will." A year or two ago, the roof of the particular church of which we are thinking was being renovated, and the interior was a maze of ladders. Under these a superstitious bride earnestly begged not to be compelled to go, so she was considerately conducted to the chancel by a circuitous route. There was a wedding last year at which a tiny bridesmaid made her appearance. As he had married her parents about six summers previously, the clergyman thought he might venture to take her by the arm and to place her in her proper position behind the bride. Considerably to his surprise, the small damsel hit out at him in a most workmanlike manner straight from the shoulder, and the edifice resounded with a terrific yell of defiance, "Mewon't! Me"WON'T!"
famine(Photo supplied by the Church Missionary Society.)INDIAN ORPHANS AT A BREAKFAST SUPPLIED BY MISSIONARIES.(A scene during the recent famine.)
(Photo supplied by the Church Missionary Society.)INDIAN ORPHANS AT A BREAKFAST SUPPLIED BY MISSIONARIES.(A scene during the recent famine.)
(Photo supplied by the Church Missionary Society.)
INDIAN ORPHANS AT A BREAKFAST SUPPLIED BY MISSIONARIES.
(A scene during the recent famine.)
One of the most interesting biographies of the season is that of Bishop Walsham How, which has just been issued by Messrs. Isbister, prefaced by an excellent portrait of the late prelate. The Bishop was principally known by his work in the East of London, where he was greatly loved by clergy and parishioners alike, and many excellent stories are relatedaproposof his cheeriness and tolerant good nature in dealing with the mixed elements of his crowded diocese. The memoir seems full and complete, as, indeed, it should be, the biographer being Mr. Frederick How (a son of the late Bishop), who had access to all the private memoranda of his father, and was naturally acquainted with every incident of interest concerning him. From the same publishers comes an excellent work by our contributor, Dean Farrar, on "Great Books," in which he critically reviews the life and works of Bunyan, Shakespeare, Dante, Milton, and other "master-spirits." Though admittedly written for young people, the volume contains much that is valuable and interesting to older readers. Messrs. Isbister have also recently issued a volume of sermons by the Rev. Stopford A. Brooke, under the title "The Gospel of Joy." Whilst we do not endorse all the views expressed by the author, yet at the same time we are bound to confess that Mr. Brooke's eloquent addresses teem with happy and suggestive thoughts.—A daintily produced volume reaches us from the Scientific Press in the form of Mr. J. T. Woolrych Perowne's account of his recent journey in Russian Central Asia, published under the comprehensive title "Russian Hosts and English Guests in CentralAsia." In many respects the journey described was quite unique, and the interest is considerably increased by the number and variety of the excellent illustrations which are scattered throughout the book.—"Table-talk with Young Men" (Hodder and Stoughton) is the title which the Rev. W. J. Dawson gives to his recently published series of "pen-conversations" with young men. Mr. Dawson's practical, straightforward and cultured "talk" on such diverse subjects as "The Art of Living," "Christianity and Progress," "Civic Responsibility," etc., is not only brilliant but highly instructive, and the book is one which should find a place on every young man's bookshelf, for it will richly repay careful and constant perusal.—We have also to acknowledge the receipt of "Comfort and Counsel" (Hodder and Stoughton), containing quotations from the writings of Elizabeth Rundle Charles for every day in the year; "The Children's Year-Book of Prayer and Praise" (Longmans), compiled by C. M. Whishaw; a useful and informing little volume on "Diet and Food" (J. and A. Churchill), by Dr. Alexander Haig; "A Cluster of Camphire" (Passmore and Alabaster), containing short, sympathetic addresses by Mrs. C. H. Spurgeon to those who are sick and sorrowful; and "The Daily Homily" (Morgan and Scott), a series of brief, pregnant discourses on the books of the Bible from 1 Samuel to Job, by the Rev. F. B. Meyer.
Samson's riddle is an everlasting proverb. Out of the devouring famine that last year devastated India blessings have already come to many provinces. A conquered race find it hard to love and trust their rulers, but in their trouble dwellers in the famine districts saw the practical side of Christianity. In the midst of universal rejoicing England was moved with compassion, and provided food for the starving. Government, in many instances, entrusted missionaries with the distribution of grain. The Indian people are slow to act and strong to endure. Thousands perished because they could not or would not realise that relief was within reach. Parents gave their last morsels to their children, and then lay down to die. Orphanages overflowed, and new ones had to be erected. Where an open shed and light meals of milk, rice, and curry meet the ideas of home and housekeeping, this is easier than it sounds. After a famine the number of Christian adherents to missions is always multiplied, and the supply of pupils creates new demand for teachers. It must be acknowledged that the taunt of being "rice-Christians" is sometimes justified, though there is little doubt that genuine gratitude to God, who moved His servants to help them, has caused numbers to turn to Him.
This piece of land is close to the Holy City, and now belongs to the Society for the Relief of Persecuted Jews. When the necessary excavation for building was begun, Abraham's Vineyard revealed signs of former glory and prosperity. Tesselated pavement, vats, baths, and a columbarium hewn out of the rock, showed that it had once belonged to a householder with taste for luxury as well as an eye for exquisite scenery. The baths and vats have been converted into cisterns for rain-water, and the place has become the scene of industry. The earth, in past years again and again reddened by battles, now yields peaceful harvests of grain. All the Jewish refugees are not, however, cultivators. Soap-making from olive oil and alkali grown on the Jordan Plain, glue-making, stone-dressing, quarrying, are industries which offer many of them an honest living. The idea of the founders of this society was "to give relief and employment to the Jews, especially in Jerusalem, until they are able to found colonies on their own account." The experiment of Abraham's Vineyard has succeeded, and the Jews have carried the work farther, as the trade in Jaffa oranges and olive-wood ware testify.
"Christmas Arrows" (the Extra Christmas Number ofThe Quiver) is published simultaneously with this part, and contains a complete one-volume story by M. H. Cornwall Legh, entitled "The Steep Ascent," copiously illustrated by Frank Craig. In addition will be found a seasonable article by the Rev. Dr. Preston, on "Christmas Chimes from Jerusalem" (illustrated by Mark Zangwill); a contribution by the Rev. Canon McCormick entitled "Christian Hospitality"; and a long fairy-parable by E. H. Strain which bears the title "The Star Ruby," and is illustrated by H. R. Millar. "Christmas Arrows" also contains full particulars and conditions of our scheme for providingChristmas Stockingsfor poor and friendless children, as well as theVoting Formwhich any reader is at liberty to use to recommend suitable cases for the receipt of our Christmas gift.
TheSpecial Silver MedalandPresentation Bibleoffered for the longest known Sunday-school service in the county ofLeicester(for which applications were invited up to October 31st) have been gained by
Miss Anne Harrison,42, Humberstone Gate,Leicester.
who has distinguished herself byfifty-eightyears' service in Harvey Lane Baptist Chapel, Leicester.
As already announced, the next territorial county for which claims are invited for theSilver Medalis
and applications, on the special form, must be received on or before November 30th, 1898. We may add thatWiltshireis the following county selected, the date-limit for claims in that case being December 31st, 1898. This county, in its turn, will be followed byDurham, for which the date will be one month later—viz. January 31st, 1899.
The names of members recently enrolled will be found in our advertisement pages.
For many years past our readers have generously taken the responsibility of maintaining a waif at Dr. Barnardo's Homes, and another at Miss Sharman's Orphanage in Southwark; but, as the present waifs are now growing up, and will soon be out in the world, the time has come for another selection. For this purpose, we have obtained particulars of eligible cases, which we submit to our readers, and, as we look to them for a continuance of their kindly help in supportingThe QuiverWaifs, we feel that they would prefer to choose the new little ones who are to be so known. We would, therefore, request our readers to send a post-card (addressed to The Editor ofThe Quiver, La Belle Sauvage, London, E.C.), stating for which waif in each of the two sets they desire to vote, and the children with the highest number of votes will be elected. The post-cards should reach the Editor not later than December 31st, 1898. It should be particularly understood that this course will imply no pecuniary obligation whatever on the part of the voters, as we shall rely solely upon the voluntary contributions of our readers to furnish the total requisite sum for the maintenance of the waifs, which amounts to £31 per year. All donations will be acknowledged inThe Quivermonth by month.
I.For Dr. Barnardo's Homes(one vote):—
Albert Le Vasseur.—Eight years of age—mother left a widow with ten children—totally unable to support them all—when discovered there was no food or money in the house.
Charles Salt.—Seven years of age—mother a "drunken and disreputable tramp"—father little better—parents without a home and constantly ill-treating the child.
John Harrison.—Seven years of age—found in streets begging in ragged condition—father dead—mother disreputable—John somewhat lame in walk, owing to injury to the right knee in infancy.
II.For Miss Sharman's Orphanage(one vote):—
Rose Heelis.—Aged two years—was born shortly after her father's death—mother has died of consumption—promises to grow into a very nice child, and is full of life and spirits.
Ethel Robinson.—Aged six years—father killed by an accident—mother in lunatic asylum—relatives too poor to help.
Lily Pavitt.—Aged ten years—mother dead—father deserted children—an aunt took the child, but was unable to support her.
The following is a list of contributions received from October 1st up to and including October 31st, 1898. Subscriptions received after this date will be acknowledged next month:—
For "The Quiver"Waifs' Fund: A Glasgow Mother (101st donation), 1s.; J. J. E. (131st donation), 5s.; R. S., Crouch End (7th donation), 5s.; E. M. B., Jedburgh, 3s.; R. Dendy, Eastbourne, 3s.; Anon., Alford, 1s.
For "The Quiver"Christmas Stocking Fund: Jessie, Agnes, and Cyril, 2s. 6d.; M. T., 5s.
ForThe Ragged School Union: R. H. B., 2s. 6d.
ForThe Indian Leper Mission Fund: A Thank-Offering, 1s.
ForDr. Barnardo's Homes: An Irish Girl, 13s. Also 7s. 6d. from Diomedes sent direct.
ForSt. Giles Christian Mission: Thank-Offering, 1s.
(BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCRIPTURE LESSONS.)
13. What was the great sin of which Zedekiah, king of Judah, was guilty and for which he was punished?
14. In what way was Zedekiah punished?
15. What prophecy was thereby fulfilled?
16. In what way does the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews contrast the revelation of God to mankind under the old dispensation with that of the new?
17. Quote a text which shows the relationship of the angels to the human race.
18. What is the special characteristic of the Gospel of St. John?
19. Quote text in which St. John asserts the truth of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
20. What reference to St. John the Baptist was made by the last of the Old Testament prophets?
21. It is said of our Lord, "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not." Quote passage from the Old Testament which shows that this passage refers to the Jewish people.
22. From what circumstance should we gather that Nathanael was a diligent student of the Old Testament?
23. In what words did our Lord show forth His divinity in speaking to Nathanael?
24. In what way did St. John the Baptist point out to his disciples that Jesus was the Messiah?
1. Manasseh defiled the Temple at Jerusalem by setting up an idol therein (2 Chron. xxxiii. 7).
2. 2 Chron. xxxiii. 14.
3. Manasseh, having been reinstated in his kingdom by the Assyrians, gave up his idolatry and did all he could to restore the worship of God in the land (2 Chron. xxxiii. 14-17).
4. Prov. iv. 14, 17.
5. Prov. iv. 18.
6. In the reign of Josiah the king sent to Huldah the prophetess to inquire as to God's will concerning the people (2 Kings xxii. 14-20).
7. The copy of the Law which Moses had written was found (2 Kings xxii. 8; 2 Chron. xxxiv. 14).
8. In the reign of Amon, king of Judah, we are told the people worshipped the "sun, moon, and stars, and all the host of heaven" (2 Kings xxiii. 5).
9. In the reign of Josiah, who burnt men's bones on the altar at Bethel (2 Kings xxiii. 15, 16; 1 Kings xiii. 2).
10. Jehoiakim threw on the fire the roll on which Jeremiah had written at God's command a warning to the king and his people (Jer. xxxvi. 23).
11. Jer. xxii. 13, 14; 2 Kings xxiv. 4.
12. Jehoiakim was bound in fetters to carry him to Babylon, but was slain at Jerusalem and his dead body cast outside the city (2 Chron. xxxvi. 6; Jer. xxii. 19).
Transcriber's note:Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have been retained as printed.Missing page numbers are page numbers that were not shown in the original text.The illustrations have been moved so that they do not break up paragraphs.Mismatched quotes are not fixed if it's not sufficiently clear where the missing quote should be placed.The cover for the eBook version of this book was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have been retained as printed.
Missing page numbers are page numbers that were not shown in the original text.
The illustrations have been moved so that they do not break up paragraphs.
Mismatched quotes are not fixed if it's not sufficiently clear where the missing quote should be placed.
The cover for the eBook version of this book was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.