"It cannot be done," shouted they. "Gentlemen, stand back!" said he, without a change of voice. "It is impossible, Mr. Webster, impossible." "Impossible?" repeated Webster, "impossible? Nothing is impossible on Bunker Hill!" and the vast crowd swayed and rolled back like a mighty wave of the ocean. WHAT MADE AUNT MILLIE HAPPY. "Why are you always happy, Aunt Millie ?” asked little Jamie. "Because everybody is good to me, Jamie." "Why isn't everybody good to my papa, aunty?—He is always fretful; he says everybody tries to hurt him; what makes everybody try to cheat and vex papa, aunty ?" A shadow fell over Aunt Millie's face, and she became silent. Jamie stood still, looking at her. At length he asked, "Aunty, were you always happy?" Aunt Millie's work dropped from her hands. "No, my dear boy. But, ten years ago I left off speaking ill of everybody; and instead, I tried to see excellence in people's characters, and good in their conduct. Since that time all have treated me kindly. I do think the same people are better than they were when I saw only their shady side. Their good is more positive than it was before I sought itwhen I expected only evil of them. In some way, looking for it seemed to nurture the tendency to good in others; as the sun, by shining on the cold, dark ground, makes it bright and warm, developing flowers and ripening fruit. "I seek only good, expect only good, and receive only good. Ought I not to be happy, Jamie ?"-Life Illustrated. A MOTHER'S LOVE is the golden link that binds youth to age, and he is still but a child, however time may have furrowed his cheek or silvered his brow, who can yet recall with a softened heart, the fond devotion or the gentle chidings of the best friend that God e'er gives us. THOUGHT.-Nothing is so fragile as thought in its infancy; an interruption breaks it; nothing is so powerful, even to overturning empires, when it reaches its maturity. Editorial Book-Table. THE NEW YORK PULPIT, IN THE REVIVAL OF 1858. Sheldon, Blakeman & Co. New York. These sermons, were preached during the recent Revival, and are designed to be memorials of that great work of the Spirit of God. Among the authors we recognize the names of some of the most eminent clergymen of New York. The sermons are characterized by great directness and pungency of appeal, and are full of Christ. As they were greatly blessed to the people, to whom they were originally addressed, it is hoped they will be instrumental in doing good to all who may read them. GLIMPSES OF Jesus. By W. P. BALFERN, New York. Sheldon, Blakeman & Co. The The object of this book, is to exalt Christ in the affections of his people, to stimulate them to increased devotedness to Him. The idea and scope of the book, are admirable. The execution of the plan, we are sorry to to say is neither strong nor beautiful. The style of the author is clumsy and heavy, and the discussions commonplace. And yet there is something attractive about the work. table of contents is charming. "A glimpse of Jesus; or the influence of faith." "Christ in the manger; or an argument for the Meek." "Jesus in the arms of Simeon; or the Waiters' Reward," &c. From these specimens, the reader can imagine the attractiveness of the Index. There are many excellent things in this little book; we can commend it as breathing throughout an evangelical spirit, and adapted to give to the young instructive and beautiful glimpses of the Saviour, in his earthly ministry. SERMONS OF REV. C. H. SPURGEON. FOURTH SERIES. New York. Sheldon, Blakeman & Co. We have glanced at one or two of these sermons, and they impress us, as superior to any of their antecedents. They cannot fail to do good, wherever they may be read. WOMAN: HER MISSION AND LIFE. BY ADOLPHE MONOD, D. D. Late minister in Paris. New York. Sheldon, Blakeman & Co. The This book is the result of patient and profound investigation. There is not in all the books published on this subject, a more comprehensive and practical discussion of the true position and sphere of woman. whole discussion is thoroughly scriptural. "We must seek for woman in scripture; but once found, she appears there clothed with a ministry as beneficent as glorious. The position there instructed me; I learned that such as she is in this book, she ought to be in life-great, but hidden."-This quotation gives us a glimpse of the work. It is a book which should be in the hands of every mother. SERMONS FOR THE NEW LIFE. BY HORACE BUSHNELL. New York: Charles Scribner. Dr. Bushnell is unquestionably one of the most original and profound thinkers of our age. These Sermons will be read with intense interest by all ministers. They not only give us new thoughts upon the great theme of the new life, but quicken our minds and hearts with aspirations for a higher Christian life. THE SPIRIT AND BEAUTY OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. Translated from the French of BOOKS ON OUR TABLE. Our absence from Chateaubriand. the city renders an extended notice of the fol- EMMA B. STORK. Philadelphia: Lindsay & With an Introduction by lowing books, impossible for the present number of the Journal. They are mostly such books and periodicals as need no commendation. LIFE THOUGHTS. By REV. H. W. BEECHER. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co. Who would attempt a criticism of such a book? It would be very much like catching a comet by the tail and trying to take its picture. Every body will get the book of course. Blakiston. Chateaubriand is deservedly classed among the most eloquent writers of his age. His "Genius of Christianity," is one of the most beautiful and suggestive books we have ever read. This translation, by a lady, has been pronounced by the critics, one of the best versions of the great French writer, that has ever been made. The selections from the large work are such as cannot fail to interest and profit the general reader. It is a book that should be in the hands of the young. The book in type and form, is according to Lindsay & Blakiston's inimitable style of doing things. the whole range of theological literature. The Review ought to be a visitor to every minister in the land. THE GUARDIAN. A Monthly Magazine. Edi THE MERCERSBERG REVIEW. Edited by Drs. ted by Rev. H. HARBAUGH. GERHART & SCHAFF. This Review is the exponent of the German Reformed Church in this country. The contributions of Drs. Nevin & Schaff are among the ablest and most scholarly to be found in We always welcome this Monthly. The May No. is one of unusual interest. The articles are mostly from the pen of the gifted editor. We rejoice in the constantly increasing circulation of the Guardian. Church Intelligence. with their ancient love of liberty, their indomitable perseverance and their exemplary missionary zeal, we are authorized to hope, that in the Lord's good time, they will pass out from all the inconveniences of the present state, and enjoy for themselves, and extend to others, in the fullest sense, the glorious liberty of the Gospel. RIGHTS OF CONSCIENCE.-This was the sub- many." To us indeed, the very principle of ject of an interesting discussion, the occasion a church-establishment, under the care and of a friendly interchange of views at the late authority of the State, seems to be wrong. Evangelical Alliance in Berlin. The Ger- Wherever such establishment is found, it mans, with some slight shades of difference were vain to expect the same amount of among themselves, in general favored, what freedom that is enjoyed where no such ormay be called a restricted religious liberty:ganization exists. The Germans have it, and the English and Americans on the other hand, declared for absolute freedom of opinion. "Circumstances alter cases;" and whilst as citizens of the United States, we go for the most extended liberty in matters of conscience, yet we are free to confess, that cases might be supposed in which the operation of positive restrictions would be needful and salutary. What less than this could be maintained, for example, if the plea of religious freedom were urged in favor of the enormities and corruptions of Mormonism? The Germans, however, see danger where we would see none, and we cannot blame them because they do not see with our eyes, for they have not the benefit of our experience. In reply to the strong array of arguments set forth in the "Alliance" on behalf of absolute liberty of opinion, Rev. Dr. Krummacher presented the views most prevalent among the Germans. "Our government is not a godless, but a Christian State; therefore it is tolerant and does not fetter the individual conscience. Yet in accordance with its sacred obligations to protect the established Church against the inroads of pernicious errors, it requires every new religious sect first to legitimate itself by proving, that it stands upon the foundation of the truth. The circumstances of the country ought to be considered, and no one should attempt in the existing state of affairs, either to Americanize or to Anglicize Ger THE GREAT AWAKENING.-This, of necessity forms a principle feature in all matters of Church intelligence at present. The secular papers with very few exceptions are frequent, and for the most part, very judicious in their notices of it. But the religious press seems indeed to revel, as it sends forth its items, upon the exciting theme. Even the "Churchman," which a few weeks ago curled up in supercilious contempt, and affected to speak of the work as a religious epidemic" as "a scheme of the sects to play themselves off in the face of a gaping and profane crowd,” begins now to unbend. It talks somewhat rationally, and indeed seems willing to view the present excitement as a Christian mind should-" as an occasion calling for unusual efforts on every hand to gather the stray sheep into the fold of the Great Shepherd." 66 What does it mean? Whither shall all this tend? Is it to have any bearing upon the future? It seems clearly enough to indicate, that the time is coming, perhaps not very far off, when the most important question for every soul will be "Am I a Christian ?" Under existing circumstances men may labor and eat and sleep and enjoy it all, without the experience of an interest in Christ, without the testimony of the Spirit, that they are born from above. But it would be a very easy thing for Him with whom we have to do, so to change the state of affairs, that men would everywhere discover that there is no safety but under the shadow of the Cross, no peace but in the heart that loves the Lord. It might be well for us to use what our eyes see at the present time as means of preparing for what the future may bring forth. The disciples said to the Lord as they looked upon the temple, "Behold what manner of stones and what buildings are here!" They thought only of the strange things before them. But he, directing their attention to the future, said, "Verily I say unto you, there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." Those stones were yet to have a history, an eventful history, in connection with which, the personal experience of the grace of God in Christ alone would open the only door of safety for the soul. Now we look with wonder, with all the signs and expressions of amazement upon the strange scenes that pass before our eyes. What manner of things are these? Wonderful as they are, there may be a future history reserved for them, that may be still more wonderful; and in connection with that history, it may be found that neither the virtue, nor the honesty, nor the respectability of the world will be of any avail, nothing but the new creature in Christ Jesus. The union of ministers and churches; the frequent meetings for prayer; the prominence given only to the word of God; the anxiety felt and manifested on every hand for the conversion of souls; the determination avowed to "stand up for Jesus;" all these things are so indicative of the spirit of the Gospel; that we have no hesitation in saying, "it is the work of God and cannot come to naught." The zeal that devises and executes liberal things, has led the "Young Men's Christian Association" of Philadelphia, to provide a tent or tabernacle for religious uses. It is capable of accommodating some fifteen hundred persons and may easily be moved from place to place. It was solemnly consecrated to God on Saturday, May 1st. The design is to erect it from time to time, in those neighborhoods of the city where the means of grace less abound, with the view of inducing the people to attend the worship of God. Ministers and members of various Churches are interested in it, and as it is managed upon the high principles of Christian union and fellowship, we may hope that with the divine blessing, it will contribute greatly to the success of the Gospel in the hearts of men. Editorial Miscellany. LUTHERAN PUBLICATION SOCIETY.-The third anniversary of this society was held on Monday evening May 3rd 1858, in Dr. Morris' Church, Baltimore. The attendance was not very large, but perhaps quite as good as could be expected at a time when nearly all our Ministers are engaged with extra duties and with hearts and hands full of their own immediate pastoral work. The public services were commenced with prayer by Rev. E. W. Hutter of Philadelphia, after which the Annual Report was read by Rev. L. E. Albert of Germantown, Recording Secretary. The report made a very fair exhibit of the Society's operation during the past year, showing that the members of the Board had been assiduous in their efforts to promote an interest in behalf of the Society and to encourage the publication and dissem ination of a church literature. Although only three years since the enterprize had birth, it had already accomplished much, and its blessed effects are even now being felt throughout the whole church. The principal feature of last year's history was the establishment of a depository in Philadelphia, which is in a very flourishing condition and promises through the great success of the indefatigable agent, Rev. B. Keller, to continue to grow in strength and usefulness. After the report was read, the President J. G. Morris, D. D. announced Rev. T. Stork one of the speakers, who delivered in his accustomed style an eloquent address in behalf of the Society-presenting its claims to the sympathy of the entire church, showing what had already been done by it in removing sectional prejudices and encouraging brotherly love and a feeling of unity abroad, and combating successfully the false views and notions that ignorance or prejudice had now and then engendered against the enterprize. Rev. G. F. Krotel, of Lancaster, followed in a few remarks replete with sound argument and lofty thought, and delivered as they were, in his solemn and impressive style, served to drive home and rivet the remarks of his more impetuous predecessor. We must not, however, forget to mention that the pleasure of the meeting was much enhanced by the sweet music of the choir; who interspersed the exercises with various anthems admirably executed. On the following morning the members of the Society met at 9 o'clock to elect officers and attend to other business. The old officers were re-elected and a few changes made in the executive Committee. The list is as follows, J. G. Morris, D. D. President, Rev. Prof. M. L. Stoever, Secretary, and the Executive Committee consists of Revs. J. C. Baker, C. W. Schaeffer, B. Keller, T. Stork, E. W. Hutter, W. J. Mann, G. A. Wenzel, L. E. Albert, J. A. Brown, C. F. Schaeffer, T. T. Titus, J. G. Morris, C. A Hay, G. F. Krotel, C. J. Ehrehart, C. P. Krauth, S. Sprecher, G. Diehl, and Messrs. Lewis L. Houpt, J. L. Frederick, R. B. Miller, L. Bremer, G. A. Reichert, and Dr. H. H. Muhlenberg. After various other items of business of no general interest, the meeting adjourned to meet at Pittsburgh next May, at the time of meeting of General Synod. OLD STYLE AND NEW STYLE.-In order to make this fully clear, it will be necessary to remember that a year is designed to include the exact period of time which the earth takes to make one revolution around the sun. This is accomplished in 365 days, and nearly 6 hours; but as the calendar must consist of complete days, these six hours are omitted, and in four years they make up a whole day, when one is added to the year, making what is called a leap year. This, however, is not strictly correct, but it is ascertained by accurate calculations that a solar year is exactly 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 55.7 seconds; consequently in putting on the 6 hours, we add 11 minutes, 12.4 seconds in four years. This in the course of 158 years would amount to 24 hours, or a complete day. If this were permitted to go on, the first of January would gradually fall back towards midsummer; and in the time of Pope Gregory XIII., (1582,) it was found that the vernal equinox, which in A. D. 325 happened on the 21st of March, actually occurred on the 10th. The pope, for the purpose of restoring | the correctness of the calendar, ordered 10 days to be dropped that year. This reformation was called "the new style," while the former calendar was denominated "the old style." Probably on account of the asperities engendered by the religious difficulties of the times, the new style was not adopted in England until 1751, when it was found that another day had accumulated. — An act of Parliament was then passed, in which it was directed that 11 days be dropped out of the calendar in 1752. In this country, the old style was not discarded in colloquial discourse, until about fifty years ago. To guard against the disarrangement of the calendar in future, chronologers now omit the leap year at the end of three or four centuries, which plan is found to balance, the excess of 11 minutes 12.4 seconds, this being added by making every fourth year a leap year, as people generally suppose. 1800 was not; for then one of these intercalary days had accumulated, and was dropped, to the great consternation of many persons, particularly the ladies, who thought that the "almanac makers" had committed a most unpardonable and ungallant blunder in taking away from them what they looked upon as their vested rights. To "take time by the forelock," we respectfully announce to them that they will be in a similar predicament in 1900. There are now, therefore, twelve days' difference between the old and new styles; and in order to compute the date of events correctly, and not fall into blunders, which even Bancroft has not avoided, we must recollect to allow ten days for the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, eleven for the eighteenth, and twelve for the nineteenth.-Standard. A VALUABLE TOOTH MISSING.- A great calamity has fallen upon the Neapolitan city of Salerno. It has lost a tooth, a valuable tooth, a tooth which had become indispensable in fact, and in many respects, to the inhabitants. The discovery of this loss has created a panic scarcely less than that raised by the late earthquake. In fact it was during the earthquake that the tooth disappeared, and its absence was only discovered after the popular commotion had subsided. It is the tooth of St. Matthew, the most precious relic of the church at Salerno, for which the people mourn. It was a very powerful tooth, the sight of it curing alike diseases and sins, and those offering to it getting permission to dispense with one or more of the ten commandments, according to the amount of money offered. Indeed, there was hardly any blessing desired by the devout of Salerno, which the holy tooth had not power to bring them. It is supposed to have been stolen by some |