Signals for Preachers and Teachers. EXPERIENCE THE GREAT TEACHER.-What is affirmed of art is equally true of preaching. It cannot be taught by the book. Not the most skilled and gifted professor of rhetoric can create the true, heaven-born preacher. God must make him, and God's way of making him is by experience. "The æsthetical laws of art must be taught by experience, and its mechanical laws must be learned from practice-the experience and the practice of generations of artists. We may indeed teach a boy in a few months what was gradually discovered in the two hundred years which separate Giotto from Raphael, but such knowledge will be barren, for it will have been artificially produced." "The most enlightened æsthetical education (says M. de Ronchaud on Phidias) can never produce the effect of the natural and spontaneous movement which tends to make art the principal interest of a whole people, and the highest expression of its national life.”—British Quarterly, July, 1878, p. 29. LORD COLERIDGE ON APOLOGETIC PREACHING.-A clergyman having written to Lord Coleridge on the subject of unbelief, his lordship replied in the following letter, which has been sent to the Guardian:-"1, Sussex Square, W., February 8, 1877.-My dear, I certainly agree in what you say of the great importance of the clergy fitting themselves to grapple with the great scientific and philosophical questions with which the whole subject of Christianity, as it has been hitherto understood, is now surrounded. But in order to do real good, they must thoroughly understand the subject and deal with it on its own ground. Sermons or speeches which are not thorough, and in which imperfect argument is eked oat with feeling and devotion, do more harm than good. Whereas a man, by leaving the whole matter alone, and insisting on the spiritual needs of man, and the spiritual help which the Christian religion gives him, can, at least, do no harm, and with many natures may do infinite good.-Always yours affectionately, COLERIDGE." CONCERNING KNOWING.-What a man can write out clearly, correctly, and briefly, without book or reference of any kind, that he undoubtedly knows, whatever else he may be ignorant of. For knowledge that falls short of that— knowledge that is vague, hazy, indistinct, uncertain-I for one profess no respect at all. And I believe that there never was a time or country where the influence of careful training were in that respect more needed. Men live in haste, write in haste-I was going to say think in haste, only that perhaps the word thinking is hardly applicable to that large number who, for the most part, purchase their daily allowance of thought ready made.-Lord Derby. LOGIC IN THE PULPIT.-Mr. Dale, speaking of Mr. Finney's sermons, says: They were not unfrequently application from the first sentence to the last. It seemed that the iron chain of the elaborate theological argument which sometimes constituted the substance of his discourse-an argument on Free Will, or on the Evil of Sin, or on the Moral Necessity which obliged God to punish sin-was fastened to an electric battery: every link of the chain as you touched it gave you a moral shock; but the supreme impression usually came at the end: the effect was cumulative."-Dale on Preaching, pp. 146, 7. VIGOUR IN PREACHING.-Sydney Smith asks, Why call in the aid of paralysis to piety? Why this holoplexia on sacred occasions alone? Is sin to be taken from men, as Eve was from Adam, by casting them into a deep slumber? And from what possible perverseness of common sense are we all to look like field preachers in Nova Zembla, holy lumps of ice, numbed into quiescence, and stagnation, and mumbling ?" BRITISH AND AMERICAN PREACHING.-There is fine discrimination in what Dr. Wm. M. Taylor, of New York, says of American and English preaching: "The American is more intellectual, the British is more practical; the American is more speculative, the British is more Biblical; the American is more calm, the British is more impassioned; the American is more philosophical, the British is more dogmatic. An interblending of the two would be an advantage to both." Scraps from the Editor's Waste-Basket. I. THE CIRCULATION OF THE WORKS OF THOMAS COOPER ON THE CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES.-The Rev. Charles Bullock, editor of Hand & Heart, 7, the Paragon, Blackheath, S.E., suggests that good service would be done to the working men of this country by placing the five volumes contributed by Mr. Cooper on the "Evidences of Christianity," in every library connected with artizans and working men throughout the kingdom. He has already received two £50 towards this fund. The publishers are most willing to supply the works at a very low price; and Mr. Bullock makes his appeal for a sum of at least £500 for this purpose. We have a special interest in Mr. Cooper. He belongs to us. We know his works, and his worth, and are ready, I trust, to help in this enterprise. Well would it be for the future of our country if it were possible to place these five volumes in every young men's library connected with the Sunday Schools of England! II. PROPOSAL OF A TRAINING COLLEGE FOR WIVES OF MINISTERS.-The suggestion has reached us from a very respectable quarter indeed, that it is desirable to establish an institution for the training of the ladies who shall become the wives of the ministers of our churches. It is further suggested that such ladies "shall, on entrance, give a written guarantee only to marry an ecclesiastical lord of creation;" and, moreover, "that any young man entering the College shall sign a document to the effect that when anxious to marry he shall make his election from the said training institute." Other trifling details are added. The matron is named, and a liberal salary suggested. One defect in the suggestion is that it does not specify in what the said ladies are to be trained. But doubtless it is in the art of economy, of living on the smallest possible sum; and rearing a family not too small, on the slenderest stipend, always taking care to find a margin for books. No doubt this would be a good investment on the part of the churches. They would save by it. But as it will take a little time to get it in working order, it is arranged that a supply of angels, well up in accounts, and able to live on angels food, (which costs less than bread in Cyprus), shall be imported to share the felicities and manage the affairs of these perfect ministers of perfect churches. It Another precaution is necessary. must be distinctly understood that "Deacons" are never to be supplied with matrimonial help-meets from the institu tion, except on the payment of a large fine the sum to be fixed by a committee of ministers. In view of the growing spotlessness of the churches, and the absolute faultlessness of ministers, we give room to this suggestion, expecting that it will bring forth abundant fruit in the large and productive minds abounding amongst us. Meanwhile, any one intending to enter the ministry is requested to keep clear of all matrimonial entanglements till either the supply of angels or the institution arrives. III. How To DISCREDIT THE BIBLE.The following is authentically reported to us as the action of a gathering of Christians known to have abundant reasons for not belonging to any of the denominations. It was proposed to enrol members; and each person so enrolling was required to give his name, address, and his profession or trade. One objected that to insist on the last item being supplied was an interference with "liberty;" but the ruling was against him, and the reason urged was that in the scriptures Simon was called "a tanner," and Alexander was labelled "the coppersmith." Such idolatrous literalism is an offence to the Book whose very spirit is one of freedom. "The letter killeth; it is the Spirit that giveth life." IV. COURAGEOUS CHURCH LEADERS.— Ten of the twelve men sent to view the promised land told the story of despaironly two, Caleb and Joshua, spoke of abundance, of flowing milk and plenteous honey. It was a case of five to one; yet the courageous and hopeful one was right; and the desponding and lazy five were wrong. Leaders ought to be Calebs and Joshuas, i.e., they should lead; not hold back. Will anybody tell how much good work is not being done just now because the leaders will not lead? V. FEAR OF YOUNG MINISTERS.Samuel Martin was invited to Westminster when he was a young man. Thomas Binney had his fame to make when he came to the Weighhouse. R. W. Dale went from Spring Hill College to Carr's Lane, Birmingham. Mr. Spurgeon graduated in the Cambridgeshire village for the Metropolitan Tabernacle, and began his London work as a youth. Why are churches with vacant pastorates afraid of engaging the services of young and undeveloped men? Be content with promise; achievement will follow. Accept men "in the gristle;" consolidated strength will come. Reviews. THE EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY. BY William Paley, D.D. THE ANALOGY OF RELIGION. By Joseph Butler, D.C.L. Ward & Lock. WE have unfeigned satisfaction in calling the attention of our readers, all and sundry, to these two samples of the new publishing venture of Messrs. Ward and Lock. The series is entitled "THE CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE SERIES," and is issued at a shilling per volume, and will consist of works like those named above, and Doddridge's "Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul," Taylor's "Holy Living and Dying :" works that are above all praise, and that have, by their marvellous usefulness, vindicated their right to a place in the agencies of this and other ages for the dissemination of a knowledge of Christianity, and a justification of its claims against opponents. The volumes are well printed, and so cheap as to be within easy reach of all who desire to have them. May this praiseworthy effort to supply good and cheap literature receive all the encouragement it deserves. THE MOURNER'S COMFORTER. By C. H. Spurgeon. Passmore & Alabaster. THE sorrowing are always with us; and the need for the "strong consolations" of the gospel is ever urgent and ever present. Zion is inhabited by mourners, therefore no preacher is more welcome. than Barnabas, and no singer more acceptable than he who can sing songs to cheer the heavy heart. Mr. Spurgeon has had more than a common training for this work; hence, with more than a common sweetness, does he sing the consoling songs of Zion. These seven sermons are an exposition of Isaiah lxi. 1-3, and will be of signal service in healing the brokenhearted, refreshing the weary, and soothing the sad. They form the fourth volume of the shilling series. THE CHRISTIAN MIRROR: AND OTHER SERMONS. By the Rev. James Martin, B.A. Hodder & Stoughton. Price 5s. THIS Volume of sermons by the late Rev. James Martin, of Nottingham and Melbourne, will be sure to receive a cordial welcome from those who were attached to his ministry, and gratefully treasure the memory of his character and worth. To them these teachings will have a special fascination, vivifying old associations, and reinforcing the influences of former years. All the discourses display accurate and painstaking knowledge of the scriptures, carefulness of preparation, and simplicity of statement; and two or three exhibit a suggestive handling of difficult texts. THE SUNDAY SCHOLAR'S HYMN BOOK : with and without Tunes. Sunday School Union. THESE two books, one with music and one without, are "sufficiently full, varied, and attractive, to supply all the requirements of the Sunday school service of song." There are four hundred hymns; and amongst them are the best our hymnwriters have produced for Sunday school purposes. The music is well-selected and well-arranged; type is clear and distinct; binding elegant and durable; and, in short, the collection deserves a foremost place amongst books of its kind. Hymnsinging is such a valuable agency for imparting knowledge, as well as for kindling emotion, that we should have been glad to have seen the names of the authors of the hymns appended. POETICAL LEAFLETS FOR THE SORROWING. SCRIPTURE LEAFLETS FOR THE SORROWING. By G. Washington Moon. Hatchards. THE desire to soothe the weary hearts of our suffering friends often passes unsatisfied because we have not the right word at hand, or the suitable song to sing. These leaflets will aid us in visiting the suffering, and will supply an easily available aid in writing to absent friends who are in trouble. There are thirty-one leaflets in the scripture packets, and twenty-four in the poetical collection; and although the songs are unequal, yet, in the main, they are admirably adapted for their healing and inspiring mission to the sorrowing. They are published at one shilling the packet. EMMIE, THE SCHOOLMASTER'S DARLING. By Evelyn Grey. Stock. AN indifferent tale, depending for what little interest there is in it upon the common incident of a child being lost in London. Printer and publisher are the only parties that will get any profit from it. We have wasted half an hour over it, and keenly regret it. CONFERENCES. EASTERN. The next meeting will be held at Boston, on Thursday, September 12th. At the morning service the Rev. J. C. Jones, M.A., will read a paper on "Open Communion." WILLIAM ORTON, Secretary. The LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE at Denholme on Wednesday, Sept. 18th. The Rev. N. H. Shaw will read a paper in the morning on " Pastoral Visitation." Service at eleven o'clock. Conveyances will be in waiting about nine a.m. at Halifax, opposite Mr. Wilson's, Post Office, North Gate; and at Bradford in front of the Town Hall. W. SHARMAN, Sec. LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE LAY PREACHERS' ASSOCIATION. THE tenth annual Conference was held at Mountsorrel, Aug. 5, under the presidency of Mr. E. Smith, of Leicester. The proceedings of the day commenced at 2.45 p.m. The President, in the course of his address, adverted to the fact that during a period of ten years the association had increased from five to forty members. Its influence for good was steadily advancing, and he knew of no body of men who were more highly welcomed in the village churches than lay preachers. In the absence of the Secretary, Mr. G. Burden read the report, which stated that three new members had joined during the past year. One hundred and thirty-seven places had been supplied; 5,524 miles travelled, and eight hundred and thirty sermons preached during the year. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. T. Hunt, G. Colver, G. Payne, J. Sansome, W. Ashby, and the Rev. J. H. Atkinson. At 4.30 p.m. tea was provided. At 5.45 an open-air service, conducted by Mr. G. Loyley, was held on the rocks, and effective addresses were delivered by Messrs. G. Colver and J. Perkins to a large audience. At 6.40 p.m. a public meeting was held, presided over by the Rev. J. H. Atkinson. Prayer was offered by Mr. W. Ashby, and speeches were delivered by the Rev. F. B. Meyer, Messrs. J. Thornton and J. Mee, of Leicester. Mr. G. Burden delivered his annual poem, composed expressly for the occasion, which was warmly received. CHURCHES. NEWTHORPE JUBILEE SERVICE Was celebrated, July 21-23. The old chapel and school were tastefully decorated, and a large marquee, capable of holding 800 persons, was erected in a field, kindly lent by Mr. Ball. On Sunday, the Rev. C. W. Butler, and the pastor (Rev. T. Watkinson) preached. On Monday, at 11.30 the Rev. J. Alcorn, of Old Basford, preached, after which the friends returned to the chapel to dine. At three o'clock, J. Clifford, M.A., preached. At 6.30 a platform meeting was held, when W. B. Bembridge, of Ripley, presided. The Rev. T. Watkinson read and account of the history of the church, which was followed with addresses from the Chairman, and the Revs. R. F. Griffiths, J. T. Almy, and John Clifford. On Tuesday the children belonging to the Sunday School (above 350) with their teachers, were regaled with tea and cake in the large marquee, and nearly 300 friends sat down to tea in the chapel. The money collected is to go towards building a new chapel or enlarging the present one, which is too limited even for the school. SUTTON BONINGTON.-The chapel has been closed for several weeks for alterations, and is now clean, comfortable, and attractive. Re-opening services were held, June 22, conducted by Mr. T. W. Marshall. A tea meeting was held the next day. Mr. Sharman presided, and addresses were given by Messrs. Brown, Baldwin, Richardson, Woolley, Wardle, Savage, Haywood, and Fuller. THE MISSIONARY OBSERVER. SEPTEMBER, 1878, Valedictory Services of Mr. John Vaughan. VALEDICTORY services in connection with the departure of Mr. Vaughan to India, as a Missionary, will be held in Friar Lane Chapel, Leicester, on Wednesday afternoon and evening, September 18th. The arrangements for the afternoon are as follows: : REV. T. GOADBY, B.A. REV. T. BARRASS. REV. W. UNDERWOOD, D.D. In the evening a Public Meeting will be held. Chairman, C. ROBERTS, Esq., of Peterborough. Speakers, Revs. J. T. ALMY, Hucknall Torkard; J. CLIFFORD, LL.B., London; G. HESTER, Sheffield; and J. VAUGHAN, Missionary elect. Service to commence at 2.30 and 6.30. N.B.-Cheap Return Tickets will be issued to parties of not less than SIX First Class, or TEN Third Class passengers to Leicester, from Derby, Nottingham, Loughborough, Burton, Ashby, Coalville, and Bagworth, providing not less than three clear days notice be given to the Secretary of the Mission, Rev. W. HILL, Crompton Street, Derby. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan are expecting to leave the Victoria Docks, London, for Calcutta, Sept. 24th, by the British India steamer Chyebassa. Missionary Committee Meeting. A MEETING of the Committee of the Foreign Missionary Society was held at Dover Street Chapel, Leicester, on Tuesday, August 13. The following minutes relating to matters of general interest were adopted by the Committee. REV. N. H. SHAW AND ROME. The sub-committee appointed to take steps towards securing an Englishman for mission work in Rome reported that their attention had been turned towards Mr. Shaw, of Dewsbury; that they had had an |