with him. After undressing him, and hearing him say his prayers, she said—

66 Willie, did you not see that pretty little kitten in the street to-day?"

"Yes, I did!" he replied, "I wish I had her; wasn't she pretty?"

"Yes, very; now don't you want me to buy this kitty for you? Perhaps the man will sell her."

“Oh, yes, mother, do buy her." “Well, then, be a good boy while I am gone;" thus saying, she closed the door, but he immediately called her back.

"Don't go till morning, then I can go with you; won't you stay?"

"No, my dear; the man would not sell her."

"Why won't he, mother?" he asked with quivering lips.

"I don't know; I suppose he wants her to catch rats and mice."

"Did he say so, mother?"

"He did not say just that, but I thought he meant so."

"I did want it so bad, mother." The little lips quivered, and the tears started to his eyes. He rubbed them with his little hands, winking very fast to keep them back, but they would come; at last he fell asleep with the pearly drops glistening on his rosy

He said no more, but quietly lay down. "Is this the way you govern your child?" said I, after we had gained the street; "if you but knew the injury you are doing, you would take a different course."

"Injury !" she repeated, "why, what harm have I done? I did not tell him I would see the man, I only asked him if I should."

"But you gave him to understand that you would. He is not old enough to detect the deception now, but he soon will be. Then I fear you will perceive your error too late. You have yourself grafted a thorn in the young rose, which will eventually pierce you most bitterly. You cannot break off the thorn, or club the point, to make it less piercing. On your return he will not see the kitten, therefore you will have to invent another falsehood to conceal the first."

We had now gained our friend's door, which ended our conversation. During the evening she seemed gayer than usual; my words had little or no effect upon her. She did not think her little one was doing all in his power to keep awake to see the coveted kitten on her return, wondering what made "Mother gone so long." It was late ere I reminded her we ought to return. But little was said during our homeward walk. She went noiselessly into the room, supposing her boy asleep, but he heard her and said"Mother, is that you? Have you brought the kitten? I kept awake to see it, and I was so sleepy."

she knelt to kiss them away, he murmured softly in his broken slumber, "I did want it so bad." She turned her dewy eyes toward me, saying—

"You have led me to see my error. Never will I again, let what will be the conse quences, deceive my child to please myself."

Mothers, are you practising the same deception? If you are, pause and think of the consequences ere it is too late. Does it not lessen your confidence in a person when you find out they have been deceiving you? Will it not also that of your children in you, when they become old enough to detect it? Besides, it would be very strange if they themselves did not imitate you in things of more importance.

It is the pride and joy of a mother's heart to gain and retain the entire confidence of her child, and it is in her power to do so if she but exercise that power by precept and example.

66

M. D. A. L.

boat," said a keen-eyed lad, entering the schoolroom. "Let me study now," was the evasive reply. "Do come!" persisted Frank. "I do not care to go," said Louis, still bending over his book. "Ha! ha! Lou, I know," shouted Frank, "your father has forbidden it; so I'll tell the boys you don't dare go to the lake." The book was

instantly thrown down, and Louis rushed to the forbidden spot-he resented the insinuation that he must not act his own pleasurebut long months of bodily suffering were the penalty for his rash disobedience.

Thus many enter paths of sin to prove what they and their allurers call courage, but it is weakness and folly. Many have yielded to temptation because they had not enough true bravery to endure the sarcasms and sneers of their more wicked companions. Ah! how many a life-bark has been wrecked by those defiant words! When the first step in sin is taken, and the first bound of restraint is passed, the tempted more readily go on to the next, and the next, till ruin is stamped on their souls!

"Take a glass of wine with me, friend," said a gay young man to a stranger guest at a fashionable dinner party.

"No, I thank you, I am not accustomed to it," was the reply.

"No refusing-you know not how very delicious it is," and the tempter offered a richly-carved goblet, in which sparkled the exhilarating draught. "Ha, ha! so you dare not taste it," he added, laughing contemptuously. The stranger's face flusheddare not, thought he, I will show him that I am as brave as himself-and he quaffed the proffered wine, refilling the glass again and again. Who, in five years, would have recognized in the loathsome, tattered criminal at the bar of justice, that richly dressed, elegant stranger, who first tasted the fatal poison at that festive board.

แ Certainly you will go with us, my little fairy," said a beautiful lady to her young niece, "and our carriage will soon be at the door; Rose," addressing a servant, "go and assist Miss Celia at her toilette."

in the sunny South. On that Sabbath the family were to ride to a neighboring city, and partake of a dinner with several gay friends at the house of Mr. L.'s brother. Celia knew it would be wrong to spend that sacred day so carelessly, and the command, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy," seemed sounding as in childhood, when repeated by her now sainted mother. Should she heed it, or would she strive to quench those memories, and indulge in the pleasures of sin for a season?" Thus she wavered, as Mrs. L. said,

"The day is magnificent, the company will be brilliant, and brother's dinner will be superb! You will not enjoy sitting alone in our pew at church; but here comes cousin Arthur. Most learned lawyer," and she bowed with mock gravity to the young man, use your irresistible eloquence, and persuade Celia to go with us to-day."

66

"Why, my pretty Puritan, you do not pretend that you will not ?" he queried. "Come, come, no old-fashioned notions," added the handsome Arthur, "we cannot go without you, and do not let us believe you dare not go."

His words were spoken in soft, winning tones, and poor Celia yielded. Bitter was her anguish in after days as she reflected on that step in transgression, and when again in her New England home, it seemed to her that the noble mountains, towering to the heavens in their unchanged grandeur, were mocking her in her misery.

"Hear our niece Celia, Edward. She says she ought not to go,'" and Mrs. Lovejoy laughed derisively as her husband entered the parlor.

"Oh, fie, my dear Northern bird, you must grace our assemblage," he said to Celia.

The young lady was from New England on a visit at the luxurious home of her uncle

strove to hush the upbraidings of conscience with the thought like one of old—“ Am I my brother's keeper ?" But fear seized on him, and he sought to end his remorse by taking his own life.

Where is the bravery in such desperate deeds? What is such a miserable spirit compared with one that braves the scoffs and resists the temptings of evil-doers, ever looking up to God as a "refuge in time of

trouble." Far more heroic is he who conquers his own inclination to sin, than he who conquers on the battle-field.

The real criterion of heroism is an unswerving adherence to Bible principles, instead of a cringing submission to the tempter; and those only are truly brave who "dare not" do wrong.

M. E.

VICIOUS habits are so great a stain to human nature, and so odious themselves, that every person acted upon by right reason would avoid them, though he was sure they would always be concealed from God and man, and had no future punishment entailed upon them.

THE TESTIMONY OF THE ROCKS. BY HUGH MILLER. Gould & Lincoln. Boston.

This is the most interesting and instructive of all the books we have seen from this great man. He is justly styled one of the princes of Geology. He has unquestionably done more than any other man to popularize the science of Geology. This is evident from the fact, that his works, uniting the graces of literature with the formal details of science, have obtained a circulation coextensive with civilization. No scientific works are so universally read and admired. The tragical end of the author invests this last work with a peculiar melancholy interest. No Biblical student can dispense with this volume. The chapters which treat of the Mosaic Vision of Creation, Geology in its bearings on the two Theologies, and the Noachian Deluge, are invaluable contributions to the great object which inspired his earliest ambition-to conciliate the seeming conflict between science and religion, and to blend them into one intelligent and reasonable service. The accomplishment of so noble an object was worthy of a whole life, " even at the cost of the clouds which saddened and darkened the close." But,

"Glory, without end, Scatters the clouds away; and on that name attend The thanks and praises of all time."

No student should feel satisfied without this addition to his library. T. S.

THE BIBLE AND ASTRONOMY. By JOHN HENRY KURTZ, D.D., Professor of Church History in the University of Dorpat, author of "Manual of Sacred History," &c. Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia.

Those who have read the Sacred Manual of History, by Dr. Kurtz, will need no additional commendation of this volume. Those who love to expatiate on the wonders and sublimities of creation-to withdraw from the earth

and rise in lofty abstraction above this little theatre of human passions and human anxieties to abandon themselves to lofty reveries and sublime explorations, through the vast dominions of God-to see nature in the simplicity of her great element, and the God of nature invested with majesty and glory-will find in this book rich materials and developments for such sublime pursuits. I know of no human book so full of biblical and scientific information. He assumes, throughout, that the Bible and nature must agree. And in case there seems to be a discrepancy, he affirins, that it must arise either from a defective exegesis, or a misinterpretation of the phenomena of nature. In all his readings of nature, he has not forgotten to sit in humble docility at the feet of Jesus. He has uniformly adhered to the admonition which he gives to the student of nature. "Let him not forget that if nature be a book full of Divine lessons and teachings, yet is the Bible the lexicon and grammar whereby alone the etymology and syntax of its sacred language, the form and history, the sense and signification of the single words, may be learned-that it alone is the teacher of that criticism, hermeneutics, æsthetics, and logic, whereby the 'disjective membra pata' are to be arranged, explained, and understood."

There are some important anachronisms in the chapter on Comets-which we presume are attributable to the printer. Upon the whole Dr. K. is one of the most reliable men in all his statements of scientific facts, and energetical conclusions.

It is a book that should stand beside Hugh Miller's work, in the library of every minister and intelligent layman. T. S.

of emphatic importance in our day. The principal topics of discussion are, the theatre, card-playing, dancing, and novel-reading; with a review of Dr. Bellows' Lecture on the Theatre. With such themes, a man of genius might make a book of immense popularity, and great practical utility. The fact is, we need a book on these very topics. A book in which these fashionable amusements are taken up and discussed thoroughly, philosophically, and Scripturally-exposing the fallacious grounds upon which they are vindicated and practised, unveiling their meretricious fascinations, and demonstrating their inherent hostility to Christian virtue, and their subtle and destructive power, by which "they smile and damn."

But this book, in our estimate, fails utterly in its object. It is a verbose, inelegant, and impotent attempt at the discussion of themes for which the author was incompetent. A book, which few would have patience to read; or, if read, from which the volatile reader would turn with a smirk and a bound, ready for the dance or the theatre. The book has an attractive exterior, and is only an additional illustration of the fact, that appearances are often deceptive. The book may possibly do good, as a provocative to some one to take up the subject, who is competent to the work. An able discussion of these subjects would be not only timely, but could not fail to do immense good to the young of our country. T. S.

In

THE BIBLE TIMES. By Rev. T. H. STOCKTON, D.D. This is no doubt a very good monthly paper, with interesting and varied reading on matters related to the Bible. the present number is a prospectus for the publication of the New Testament as a periodical. The prospectus is in the following magniloquent style, "The purest brilliant of blessing and beauty." It is a very beautiful way of styling the New Testament, but it is not as beautiful, to my taste, as the old name, in its unadorned simplicity. The press has spoken encouragingly of this contemplated publication of the New Testament as a periodical. And the design of the publisher is unquestionably worthy of unqualified commendation. But, to us, it seems wholly a work of supererogation. It is an effort to do, what the Bible Society is doing far more efficiently than can possibly be done by any individual isolated enterprise. And then the method of doing the same thing, is, in my view, excep. tionable. It may be mere fancy, but I do not like to see the external and internal form of God's word modernized. I love the old style of publication-the very form and internal method of the Bible, is to me sacred-just as the old-fashioned doors and hearthstone of my childhood are hallowed; and just as I should deprecate a change in the arrangement of the

old homestead, so I dislike any innovations in the appearance of the book, which has been endeared to me in its old face and body. This may be mere fancy, but at all events there seems to me no use in the expenditure of time, money, and talents, in endeavoring to do what can be more extensively done by the vast system of Bible distribution, which is now in successful operation, and which is enlisting the benevolent co-operation of all Christians throughout the world. T. S.

BIBLICAL COMMENTARY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT. By Dr. H. OLSHAUSEN. First American Edition. Revised after the latest German edition. By A. C. Kendrick, D.D. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman & Co.

It is only necessary to announce the issue of the fourth volume of this incomparable com. mentary. It is now approaching the end, and will, as we have the assurance, be completed by the first of January. Dr. Kendrick and the American publishers deserve the gratitude of all the admirers of Olshausen, for this admirable edition of his Commentary on the New Testament.

This is one of the few works that needs no puffs of editors to facilitate and extend its circulation. All that is needed is a simple announcement of the consecutive issues, and away goes the eager expectant to possess the volume. T. S. Other books on our table will be noticed in our next Journal.

LUTHERAN PUBLICATION HOUSE. - The Board, through its indefatigable Agent and Committee of Ways and Means, has finally succeeded in the establishment of this central Depository of Lutheran publications. The store is situated on one of the most central and beautiful thoroughfares in the city. The front store room is tastefully arranged, and furnished with all the Lutheran publications, an ample selection of theological and miscellaneous books, and a general assortment of stationery. In the rear of the store is the room for the meetings of the Board. This room is furnished with a large central table, upon which may be found the various periodicals of the Church. Ministers or laymen visiting the city, will find this a pleasant retreat from the noise of the city; where they may meet with their brethren, and spend a profitable hour, with the usual accommodations of a pleasant parlor-without lounges.

It surely must be matter of commendable pride to every Lutheran to see such an establishment in the most central part of the Church. And if it is sustained by a liberal patronage, it cannot fail to be of immense utility to the whole Church, both as a central bond of union, and as furnishing facilities for

augmenting and communicating our Own church literature.

Let all Lutheran ministers and laymen wanting books and stationery, remember the

Lutheran Publication House, Arch below Eighth Street, Philadelphia. Al the profits of the establishment are given to the benevolent institutions of the Church. T. S.

Travelling

PUBLICATION SOCIETY'S AGENCY.-Philadelphia, September 17, 1857. Agents are like birds of passage; they have no abiding place, but are passing from one place to another. This is not a very pleasant thing; yet in this world, you know, we must not look for pleasant things, if we wish to be useful among the children of men, and to serve the Lord, who made and redeemed us. It is more especially unpleasant, nay, a great trial, for a man, advanced in life as I am, to be shifting about from place to place, and to be often long from home. But at home an agent dare not stay, if he wishes to obtain money for any benevolent object. This I have too often found out, and hence, after I got home from Carlisle and Shippensburg, I had soon again to leave, with a view to labor in the congregations in the neighborhood of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, all of which formerly belonged to my Carlisle charge, as stated in my last report.

I arrrived at Mechanicsburg in the Philadelphia cars, on Friday, the 14th August, between 1 and 2 o'clock, P.M. Immediately after my arrival, I called on Brother Stoever, who, however, was not at home, having a funeral some distance from Mechanicsburg. As I was very anxious to see him in order to make some arrangements to preach in two of his churches on the following Sunday, I waited patiently till he came home. But no sooner had I made my proposition to Brother Stoever, when I learned from him that I was doomed to be disappointed; for he told me that in one of his churches there was no appointment, and in the other he had published to preach the harvest sermon. What now was I to do? Lay over Sunday, and so lose the whole next week? Ah, no! this I cannot do. Time is too precious, and I cannot afford to lose so much of it. At once I resolved to go over to Brother Cornelius Nitterauer, at Churchtown, a distance of about six miles. But how shall I get there? was the question. Brother Stoever very kindly replied:"Either I myself will take you, or I will get some one to take you over." Whereupon, he started out in search of some one, and soon returned, informing me that Mr.

Hummel would take me with his horse and carriage. After supper we left Mechanicsburg, and arrived at Brother Nitterauer's just about dusk, who gave me a very hearty welcome, and invited me to make his house my home. On Saturday we made our arrangements, and on Sunday I preached in Churchtown at 10 o'clock A.M., and in Kingstown at 3 o'clock P.M. Both these churches are new, and although not large, are yet very neat and handsomely finished, especially the one at Kingstown. Brother C. Nitterauer is the pastor of both these congregations, for about three years. When he took charge of them, each congregation had a considerable debt, but through his zealous efforts the entire debt of each congregation was liquidated. These congregations being small, and having just freed themselves from the burden of a heavy debt, it was somewhat doubtful whether the members would contribute much towards the Publication Society. The sequel, however, shows that our doubts were not well founded. St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Kingstown.Geo. Beltzhoover, $30; Michael Kast, John Herman, Mary Nitterauer (pastor's wife), Jacob Kast, Geo. Longsdorf, each $10; Martin Herman, Margaret Bobb, B. Beinstein, Margaret Fought, C. Hartman, H. B. Bauman, each $5; J. Herman, J. Mosset, J. Paul, each $3; cash, David Orris, each $2 50; J. Souder, J. Q. Grove, J. W. Duey, V. Shally, J. F. Leidig, Eibsa Longsdorf, Samuel Houston, W. Mosset, W. Miller, each $1; E. Bobb, $1 50. Total subscription, $134 50; paid, $85 50. Mt. Zion's Lutheran Church, at Churchtown— M. G. Beltzhoover, $30; John Beltzhoover, $20; M. Beltzhoover, G. Beltzhoover, G. W. Leidig, and G. H. Voglesong, each $10; Saml. Diller, G. H. Beltzhoover, J. Vannasdall, Sarah Ann Nisley, Benj. Givler, Jos. Brandt, and C. Westfall, each $5; Daniel Diller, $2 50; L. Diller and J. Westfall, each $2; Enoch Young, $1. Total subscription, $132 50: paid, $75.

Brother Nitterauer accompanied me to his members in the Churchtown congregation, and my esteemed friends, Jacob Kast and Geo. Longsdorf, took me round in the Kingstown congregation. The two last-mentioned