THIS manual of events, the commemoration of which now excites universal attention, is exceedingly valuable as a brief record of the high principle and moral heroism of our forefathers, at a period when they had to choose between the authority of man and the mandate of God. On the one hand, there was the command of a monarch, urged by the powerful solicitations of ease, honour, and wealth; and on the other, the imperative voice of conscience, with the penalties of reproach, toil, and poverty, to which were often added the infliction of fines, imprisonment, mutilation, and sometimes even death. They nobly repelled the former, and chose the latter, sustained by conscious integrity, the love of truth, and the love of God. In this they have set us a worthy example, and taught us how to value truth and religious freedom. We now inherit the blessings and privileges for which they suffered; we are, therefore, bound to estimate them at their real worth, to hold them fast with unyielding firmness, and hand them down unimpaired to posterity. Atrocious indeed were the sins of those who despoiled and persecuted our forefathers for asserting the rights of conscience; but next in atrocity would be our own sin, if we should betray the truth and freedom for which they suffered. We hail the commemoration of Black Bartholomew's day as a memorial of the past, and a timely monitor for the future; and hence we hail, too, the appearance of works adapted to enlighten the mind and refresh the memory on events never to be forgotten, with admonitions never to be disregarded. Besides a brief account of the leading events connected with St. Bartholomew's day, this manual supplies several incidents of special value, collected from state documents which have not before been published. A few of these we may probably select for insertion in our next number. The Mother's Practical Guide on the Physical, Intellectual, and Moral Training of her Children. By Mrs. J. Bakewell. Fourth edition, revised and greatly enlarged. London: John Snow, WE are glad to meet Mrs. J. Bakewell again in the walks of literature, and congratulate her and her readers on the issue of the fourth edition of her truly valuable work. The first and second editions contained important directions applicable to a wide range of maternal duties and responsibilities; but riper experience, as a mother and a Christian teacher, suggested, in the preparation of the third edition, the enrichment of the work by additional observations on "Intellectual Training," the cultivation of " The Moral Feelings and Domestic Habits," with hints, also, on the teaching of the French language." The fourth edition presents, however, still further additions and improvements, as the fruit of progressive knowledge and a culminating experience in domestic relations and duties. We have two new chapters--on “ Our Elder Sons and Daughters," and on "The Claims and Responsibilities of Grandmothers." The work now contains sixteen chapters, embracing almost every conceivable topic within the range of maternal duties. It is by far the most complete and comprehensive manual we have seen on maternal duties and responsibilities. written in an elegant style, and is fraught with lessons of sound wisdom and practical piety; and we augur for it a still more widely extended circulation. It is The Golden Opportunity, and how to improve it. With an Introduction by the Rev. W. W. Champneys, M.A. London: Elliot Stock. THIS little volume contains four prize essays on the best means of infusing a missionary spirit into the education of the young, especially in connection with the Sabbath-school. The conception is good, and the volume is well fitted to carry it into effect. The essay justly deemed to be of the highest merit, is the one written by the Rev. John Stock; the second, by Catherine Pain; the third by Katharine Ashley; and the fourth by Mrs. Earnshaw. The first is one of real value, presenting, in a condensed but impressive form, both much valuable information on the subject of missions generally, and the most suitable modes of engaging the hearts of the young in this great cause. The other essays, as their position indicates, are of a lower quality, but at the same time contain some excellent suggestions on the subject. The Introduction, by the Rev. W. Champneys, breathes a fine evangelical spirit. The Progressive English Book for Use in Schools. Books I. and II. By Thomas and Francis Bullock. Manchester: John Heywood. London: Simpkin and Marshall. THE design of the "Progressive Reading Book" is to make as easy and as agreeable as possible the child's progress in the art of reading. When everything which ingenuity can accomplish has been done, the acquirement of this art will still remain a great work. The difficulty is seen in the amount of time usually devoted to it. The authors have so classified and graduated difficulties as to secure, from moderate attention, certain progress. Only a few sounds have been introduced at one time, and abundant exercises furnish the means of familiarizing the learner with these, before he has to encounter new difficulties. The principal vowel sounds have first been introduced: after being well practised in these, the pupil is introduced to the more difficult combinations of consonants in such a manner as to make progress as rapid and as little irksome as possible. A Series of Sermons on Important Entire Sanctification, Distinct from room. THIS little manual treats on Entire Sanctification under the following heads:-Entire sanctification explained; distinct from justification; attainable in this life; possibility of retaining the blessing; the Christian believer encouraged to expect entire sanctification. On these several subjects he is clear, scriptural, and earnest. His ex planations and defence of the doctrine are well reasoned out, and sustained by quotations from standard authorities. Gatherings from the Pit-Heaps; or, the Allens of Shiney-row. By Coleman Collier. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. THE title is quaint, but in good keeping with the style and character of the book. It is a graphic and somewhat dramatic sketch of collier life, natural and religious, as developed in the north of England, and illustrated by numerous incidents and serio-comic anecdotes, connected with the labours of Methodist ministers in that part of the country. The book is well written, and is spicy with wit and humour. The Young Pilgrim's Remembrancer. By C. A. Clarkson. Edinburgh: Paton and Ritchie. May be had from our Book-room. THIS little book contains sundry exercitations on passages of Scripture, and poems adapted for Sunday scholars and young people. The authoress is the excellent lady who, some years ago, frequently supplied our JUVENILE INSTRUCTOR with articles for "The Bible Class." The work may be had from the Book-room. Two Exercises for Three Boys_and Three Girls. An Exercise for Eight Boys or Girls. An Exercise for Nine Boys or Girls. An Exercise for Ten Boys and Ten Girls. By J. White. London: H. Webber, Warwick-lane, Paternoster-row. THESE exercises are on Scriptural topics. They are suited for recitations at the anniversaries of Sabbathschools, and are well adapted to stimulate to a study of the Scriptures, and to interest an audience. The Believer's Peace. In Memoriam of his Royal Highness the Prince Consort. By the Rev. John Hall. London: John Snow. The late Prince Consort: Reminiscences of his Life and Character. By the Rev. J. H. Wilson. London: S. W. Partridge. THESE two works have a general affinity, but a specific difference. The former, while presenting a tribute of respect and love to the memory of our departed Prince, wisely seeks to improve the melancholy event of his P death, by impressing on the reader the duty and the privilege of enjoying an habitual assurance of the Divine favour as a preparation for death. The latter gathers up the incidents of the Prince's life, tending to unfold the sterling excellences of his character, the calm, unobstrusive usefulness of his life, and his peaceful death. Some of the incidents here narrated are not generally known-all are interesting, and they are piously applied by the author. The Family Treasury of Sabbath Reading. March, 1862. London: Thomas Nelson and Sons, Paternoster-row. THE "Treasury" for March, like its predecessors, is full of instructive and interesting matter, adapted for persons of all ages, and in all classes of society. Memoirs and Recent Deaths. A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT TO THE MEMORY OF THE LATE MRS. HUTCHINSON, BRIGHOUSE. MANY friends would have been glad could a suitable memoir have appeared in the Magazine of the late Mrs. Hutchinson, but unfortunately the few particulars available were lost by transmission through the post, and cannot now be recovered. Still, all will agree with the writer that a character so well known, and so highly respected, should not pass from the Church militant to the Church triumphant without some memorial of her inestimable worth. "The memory of the just is blessed." Their dust reposes in the grave, and their spirits have returned unto God who gave them; but their Christian excellencies should be recorded, to stimulate the zeal and refresh the souls of surviving friends. It is near thirty years since the writer first became acquainted with our late sister. She was then in the meridian of life; healthy, active, buoyant in spirits, happy in her religious enjoyments. For some years she had been the subject of Divine grace, and a member of the Brighouse society. At the commencement of her Christian course she met with much opposition. Her faith was severely tried; but by patient continuance in well-doing, difficulties were overcome, and a plain path was before her. Having deliberately chosen the service and the people of God, she was not easily moved. When opposed, persecuted, and tried in various ways, her heart was fixed, trusting in the Lord. At the throne of grace she was strengthened, in the means of grace refreshed, and the con solations of the Spirit were abundantly communicated to her soul. Her union with the Brighouse society would be felt to be a valuable privilege. Thirty years ago that society was in a most prosperous state; its members numerous, united, zealous; its leaders men in the prime of life, of deep experience, strongly attached to the Connexion, firm pillars in the Church; and its religious ordinances exceedingly well attended, distinguished by earnest prayers, fervent praises, and heartfelt joys. It was delightful to be present at the social meetings, where they that feared God spake often one to another; and to stand up in the little chapel to preach the word of life was a privilege indeed. It was of little moment who was the preacheritinerant or local, an aged servant of Christ or one just entering into the vineyard, one richly gifted or one of humble talent-each and all were received with goodwill and respect. Half an hour before the service, especially on Sabbath afternoons, might be seen large numbers, in various parts of the neighbourhood, wending their way to the house of God. Their feeling was that of the Psalmist, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." To them the house of the Lord was a school of instruction, an ark of safety, a pool of Bethesda, a house of mercy, a centre of heavenly influences. There they met for worship; there they received the Word; there they rejoiced with a joy unspeakable and full of glory. No one enjoyed these privileges more than our departed friend. Regular in attendance, devout in spirit, Sabbath-days were days of holy delight. She sat with great interest under the ministry of the Word. The truths of the Gospel seemed never to lose their charm, but always possessed a freshness and a power to quicken and sustain her spiritual life. To those who preached the Word she showed the utmost respect; hearing with candour, giving where necessary a word of encouragement, and often putting into the hands of the local brethren that were poor a substantial proof of her sympathy, and of her best wishes for their temporal and spiritual welfare. The week-night services also were seasons of edification to her soul. Every opportunity of attending she cheerfully embraced. At the preaching and at the class-meeting she was in her place, a worthy example to others, stimulating and encouraging her fellow-Christians in the service of God. To persons and things, to partner and business, she would say, "Hinder me not; " considering that Christ and his service had paramount claims. And while so regular in her attendance on Sabbath and week-day services, she was most cheerful and liberal in rendering her pecuniary support. A grudging disposition belonged not to her; a covetous feeling had no place in her breast. She had no sympathy with those who are the advocates of a free Gospel, or who would deny to ministers the comforts of respectable citizens; but magnifying the office of God's servants, and esteeming them highly for their work's sake, she contributed most generously to their support. When the Conference of 1832 appointed a third married preacher to the Halifax Circuit, and it was arranged for him to reside at Brighouse, no one took so lively an interest in furnishing the preacher's house, and promoting his comfort in every possible way. She was unwearied in her attentions. Nor was the feeling spasmodic or evanescent, as for many long successive years she manifested the deepest interest in the happiness of the ministers and their families. To the afflicted and poor our departed friend had an open hand and a liberal heart. Seldom did she close her ear to the tale of poverty and distress. Few came to her door without relief. In some cases persons applied for small loans of money for a certain time, when they would be able to return it. And very often she might be seen with her bag or basket, making friendly calls among the poor, ministering to their pressing necessities. All this was done without the least ostentation. She did not let her left hand know what her right hand did, or sound a trumpet before her, that she might have glory of men. A public recognition of her generous acts would have embarrassed and pained her. She felt that as God had given her the ability, she was only doing her duty, and that it was "more blessed to give than to receive." Mrs. H. was a liberal contributor to the Connexional funds. The objects of these funds commended themselves to her enlightened judgment, and called forth the generous sympathy of her heart. The donor's name did not always appear in print, but the donations at times were of considerable amount. Her zeal in the missionary cause was great and her efforts untiring. For many years she kept a missionary box in her house, and a few days before the annual meeting she went among her neighbours and friends to solicit their help; nor was that help withheld, but many contributions were dropped into the box, so that when opened at the public meeting the sum announced elicited the warmest applause from the speakers and the audience. From year to year the contents of this box very materially swelled the amount raised by the Brighouse friends for the missionary cause. And it may be just remarked that the annual meeting on Shrove Tuesday has always been regarded as a time of joyous excitement and holy delight. We cannot but speak of our departed friend's loyalty to the Connexion. There were periods when this loyalty was put to the test. Many of our readers will remember what took place twenty years ago, when congregations were scattered, societies rent, thousands of members seceded, and the greatest difficulties pressed upon the Connexion. It was a time of great trial both to ministers and people. How was our sister affected ? Did she leave the community of her choice, the home of her sympathies and affections? Was it her work to agitate, to divide, to destroy? No. Approving of the doctrines and discipline of the Connexion, she stood by it firm as a rock. In doing so she had to sacrifice private friendships, and to endure much reproach, but she remained unmoved. When others withdrew from the society, she continued one of its firmest pillars and warmest friends; and when some withheld their support, she increased her generous contributions. At the time the appeal was made to the Connexion for the sustentation of its ministers and funds, she, with the consent of her husband, came forward with a noble subscription. Her hands, head and heart, and purse and prayers were all devoted to its interests. She lived many years after the storm had passed over, and rejoiced unfeignedly in the return of peace and prosperity. It may be mentioned, too, as a proof of her Connexional attachment, that when a union with other bodies has been proposed, on condition of giving up our Connexional name, she has expressed the most unyielding opposition. While she held sacred its doctrines, its ordinances, and its principles of Church government, she felt that even its name was too dear to be sacrificed. Mrs. H. was a person of strong mental power. This was manifest in her domestic arrangements, which were daily carried out with great order and regularity. It was seen in the ability with which she attended to business in the absence of her husband. It was manifest in relating her experience in the class, in engaging in prayer at the prayer-meetings, and in giving an intelligent account of the sermons she heard. It was shown in the ease with which she could take up any matter relating to the society, the circuit, the Connexion, or the Church of Christ in general. If she had not read extensively, she had gathered much knowledge from observation of men and things. If she had not the refinement of a superior education, she had the sterling quality of strong common sense. If her language was not always grammatically correct, it was at command with great ease, clearness, and vigour. In the social circle she was the life of the party, having a fund of anecdote, from which she could largely draw for the entertainment and instruction of her friends. She was able also to converse on the leading events of the day with considerable discrimination and soundness of judgment. She had a superior understanding, and had she had the advantages which fall to the lot of some, she would have occupied a distinguished place in society. But, what is of greater importance, our departed friend was a sincere and devoted Christian. We are not prepared to say that she rose to the highest standard of Christian excellence. She could not speak of her communion with God, of her joy in the Holy Ghost, of her confidence in Christ, of her unclouded prospect of heaven, as some are able to do. She was often perplexed with doubts and fears. These were expressed in her letters to her friends, and in the communion of saints. She was deeply conscious of her imperfections, which she frequently confessed, both before God and his people. At times her warmth of temper betrayed her into warm and hasty expressions, which grieved the Holy Spirit. She did not always manifest the meekness and gentleness of Christ. Still, she was a sincere lover of Jesus. She loved his person, his work, his example, his ordinances, his word, his people. His atonement was the ground of her hope, the foundation of her trust, the source of her joy. In Christ she would and did confide for present acceptance and eternal life. No dependence did she place on acts of kindness, on religious services, on labours or sufferings, but her entire reliance was on the Friend of sinners. Christ was her wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. In his cross she gloried, in his blood and righteousness she trusted for salvation. Though she had a deep sense of her personal unworthiness, yet, taking Christ for her all and in all, she could rejoice. She was a cheerful Christian. Her piety was not austere, gloomy, forbidding, nor did it arrogate to itself an unapproachable sanctity. She was not an ascetic, nor was she one of those who say, "Stand by thyself, come not near to me, for I am holier than thou." Her religion was suited to every-day life, humble and cheerful. In her demeanour there were none of the haughty airs of the Pharisee, but rather the self-condemning spirit of the publican, whose prayer she would adopt as her own. Her piety was lively it did not show itself in seclusion from social life, in spurning innocent enjoyments, in downcast looks, sepulchral tones, pensive sighs, and melancholy forebodings. She was a cheerful Christian, often praising God with her lips, still oftener making melody in her heart, giving ample evidence that the religion of Christ i not to make its disciples gloomy and : |