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No. 1.

VOL.

11.

AUCKLAND,

N.Z:, JANUARY,

1891.

TWUPENCE.

unrn tbe lDa}] lDawn.

AGEShave sunk in the eternal past, For ever dead with all their joys and woes, Their glory, and their madness, and their shame, Since Peter-he of fear and fearlessness, A moment weak, a lifetime firm as rockTraced on the parchment these sustaining, words. They speak of night; and long that night has been, "Withstorm and tempest of destructive force, Threatening the Church with ruin; as that time In the grand story, when the hurricane Boomed its wild thunders, and produced alarm In hearts unused to fear, until the cry, 'Master, we perish! ' reached the sleeping Christ, And brought salvation and a joyful calm. The Christ asleep: by toil for men fatigued, He sought brief rest in no luxurious home, But in an open boat upon the lake. Hard resting .. lace! Unsheltered, and exposed p To rain, and cold, and storm-should storm arise. Calmly He rests, at peace with God and man! A foe malignant, in the darkness sees And hates his destined victor, now asleep; And the dark mo-verin all deeds of guiltThe chief of the demon powers of the airLets loose his dread artillery of storm, To drown the holy sleeper and His friends In the dark waters of that frenzied sea! Like Paul's companions, long by tempest tossed, The ocean raging, darkness all around, And hope's faint whispers almost hushed in death, What numbers of the race have 'wished for day!' Until the dawn! U.. ntil the morning star! And age to age that long.. rawn out' until,' d Like a faint vision, hardly visible, Beckons the pilgrim Church, with weary foot, And eye half blind with looking to the East, For the first gleam of soul.. eviving light, r Not to despair, for' day will surely dawn !' Patience, 0 Church, 0 man, 0 friend of Christ, God's timepiece errs not. When the hour arrives That He has fixed for the sublime event, The Morning Star, the harbinger of' day, Is sure to rise. The glorious Sun Himself Will flood the world with light, and joy, and song, And prove how wise it was to trust and wait. W. Leask, D.D .

ROM papers to hand by last mail we learn that religious bodies in England are vigorously attacking social problems. The atmosphere of a Church Congress is not considered favourable to the growth of Liberalism, nor do its speakers, as it rule, grapple with subjects that have a direct bearing on the .... mercantile every-day life of the people. The Church of England Congress,assembled at Hull, which had just concluded its sittings when the last mail closed, formed a noticeable exception to the general rule. The great social questions which, during the last few months, have caused the hearts of all classes to throb with painful intensity, stirred the, pulses of the various speakers, who, with a joyous abandon, plunged freely into the subject of strikes, sanitation, and the housing of the poor. We hail this departure from the stereotyped forms of ecclesiastical procedure as a sign of progress, and believe it indicates a forward movement on right lines. The predominance given to social questions in the Con, gress was observable from the first, and quite threw what have hitherto been regarded "as propel' subjects for Congress deliberations into the shade. The newly appointed Bishop of Durham, Dr. Westcott, struck the keynote by his opening paper on 'Socialism.' The subjects chosen had evi. dently all the charm of novelty to most of the spea.kers; but this did not prevent a vigorous expression of opinion. Sir John Gorst's paper on 'Universal State Organisation' would have warmed the heart of the most advanced German socialist, while our Chamber of Commerce might have learned something from Judge Hughes on 'Co-operation.' The Anti-Poverty Society could not have listened unmoved to a paper strongly advocating land nationalisation. The

7
2

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

JANUARY,

1891.

enthusiasm extended from the laymen to the clerical members. Dean Hole vigorously handled' Gambling and Betting,' and Archdeacon Furrar, in his own inimitable style, treated 'The Ethics of Commerce,' dealing out scathing invectives enough to make fraudulent traders 'grue and tremble.' Such flimsysubjects ak the' Limits of Ritual,' with general remarks on clerical posturing, and the cuto' ecclesiastical petticoats, seemed like a dead calm after the brisk trade-winds which had blown over the assembly. 'rVethink the example set by the Hull Congress a good one, and an acknowledgment of a Scriptural principle too often overlooked-that the Christian Church has not only a theological but a social mission to a sin-stricken world. Mr. Ben Tillett's name appeared on the first draft of the Hull Congress programme. That he did not read his in, tended paper was owing to a slight misunderstanding. The rule hitherto observed is that every person reading a paper in Congress should be a member of the English Church. Tillett's attention being called to this, he as a Dissenter considered himself disqualified, and withdrew his consent. This caused general regret, and had the matter come before the Congress the objection would uudoubtedly have been waived. From the interview of a reporter with Mr. 'I'illett we learn his paper would have dealt with the attitude assumed by religious bodies towards the world of labour. Mr. Tillett thinks in its treatment of the working classes the Church-and his remarks also apply to the Dissenting denominations-shows a lack of sympathy. The cause is, in his opinion, because ministers are 'sprung from the capitalists,' and his remedy is 'democratise the Church.' The opinions of a shrewd, practical man like Tillett are not to be despised, and 'we regret the Congress had not the opportunity of listening to his homely eloquence. Some of our colonial conferences might learn something from the addresses of men like Burns and Tillett, whose practical view of social questions is taken from the standpoint of . working people.

Tite Barnacles of society. are throwing mud on the Irish leader for their own purposes, etc. These indecent declamations on the part of our contemporary, in the teeth of the utterances of leading. bishops and statesmen of its own Churoh, are not likely to serve the cause of Horre Rule, which will stand or fall on its merits quite apart from Mr. Parnell's vagaries. Indeed, the 'uncrowned king of Ireland, ' if he ever reads the Catholic Times, may well cry, , Save me from my friends !' In political circles the great topic of interest throughout the colony during the past month has been the general election. In the present uncertain state of parties it is somewhat difficult to strike a balance, but it is generally assumed that, on the meeting of the House, Government will find itself in a decided minority. Parliament has been summoned for the 23rd inst. The personnel of the House is so changed, owing to the elections having taken place under the new regulation reducing the number of members to seventy, and from the fact that several namesfor many years prominent in Parliament have, for the present, disappeared from the scene, that it is impossible to cast the political horoscope with any certainty, One thing only is clear, that in the present state of the>colony the main issue to be considered by Parliament is a financial one. Can a politician be a Christian 1 It seems rather late in the day. to ask such a question; yet from some pulpit utterances, to be heard' occasionally even at the present day, it would appear that the subject was not yet settled to the -satisfaction of all minds. Quite recently the question, 'Ought Christians to take part in politics l' formed the subject of an address from an Auckland pulpit. The attempt to sever religion from political and social life has invariably been followed by the worst effects both upon the Church and upon what is technically called' the world.' Our American cousins take a plain, practical view of' such questions. They look them squarely in the face. A short time ago, probably owing to the frequent charges of corruption in American politics, the question was raised, 'Can a politician be a Christian l' Brother Jonathan, after taking a look round at the politicians of his country, did not feel quite clear on the subject. The question was therefore submitted to anum bel' of leading statesmen, journalists, and divines. Answers teeming with interest were elicited. .That religion was too often severed from politics, or, as one writer observed, there was not enough Ohristianity in the politics of the day' to run an infant class in a Sundayschool,' was freely admitted. The importance of conducting politics on religious principles was equally acknowledged. The consensus of opinion of the leaders of American thought ma.ybe summed up in the impressive words of one of the writers, the venerable Dr. McCosh: 'Every politician should be a Christian, and he will thereby be a better politician, as actuated by moral principle, and every Christian should be a politician, watching over the moral welfare of the country, and saving us from abounding evils.'

The cablegrams of the past month have been chiefly occupied with the doings of Mr. Parnell and the Home Rule party. The subject is not a savoury one, nor do we wish to give it more than a passing- notice. The New Zealand press has been almost unanimous in condemning Mr. Parnell's attempt to retain the leadership of his party. The fallen statesman has, however, found one staunch defender. The Wellington Catholic 'l'imes is Parnellite to the backbone. Our contemporary came out a few days ago with an article in defence of its hero, which, in face of the cablegrams from England, it must have required some courage to write.' According to the Catholic Times cablegrams were probably communicated by scandal-mongers; cables have consistently lied; no weapon formed against Parnell hitherto has prospered; Pigott, the forger of 'the famous letters, is in a suicide's grave; the London Times ~at published them is eternally disgraced; the Tories and

ANUARY,

1891.

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

IProfeaaor 1benr\? 'IDrummOnl).

h is as certain as anything in the world is certain that the
name of Henry Drummond will be bracketed in coming generations with those of Walter Scott, Hugh Miller, Thomas Chalmers, Thomas Carlyle, and some more of his brother Scots, who, by their high mental qualities, have left the impress of their genius deeply stamped on the history of their country and of their time. Perhaps none of these great names will be had in such lasting and affectionate remembrance, because, in addition to his gifts as an original thinker, Professor Drummond possesses personal qualities that were conspicuously lacking in some of those distinguished sons of Scotia, and that have endeared him in a remarkable degree to all who have come within the influence of his character and his life. Indeed he is loved by some of those who have the privilege of his intimate friendship with a love like that cherished by David for J onathan, of whom it is written, 'He loved him as he that loved his own soul.' This charming personality of the man very largely explains the fact of his world-wide popularity among his fellow young men. For Professor Drummond is still a young man, though for some years now his name has been a household word wherever the English language is spoken. He is a native of Stirling, a splendidly situated town within a few miles of the historic field of Bannockburn. His immediate ancestors had earned for thems~lves something more than a local reputation in their walks of life; but it has fallen to the lot of the professor to shed on the family name an undying lustre and a yet wider fame. We assume that almost every reader of this magazine knows that it was the professor's first hook, 'Natural Law in the Spiritual World,' that brought him into wide public not\ce. It may be truly said of him, that he woke one morning and found himself famous. The professor is a most modest man, but if he were quite the contrary, he could scarcely have anticipated the result of the publication of his book. Its history is one of remarkable interest, even in an age of many literary surprises.' He himself recently told the story in brief to an Australian journalist, and it may therefore be repeated here. The work consisted of a series of Sunday afternoon lectures to working men, and week-day lectures to a class of students in natural science; for the professor was at the time filling the double capacity of lecturer in a Presbyterian college in Glasgow and working pastor in a mission church in a poor district of the same city. The lectures were never intended, originally, for publication in book form. Two or three of them, however, saw the light of publicity in a religious weekly that has now ceased to exist. The readers were arrested and charmed by the vigour of the thought, and the beauty of its literary dress. An interest was created, but it was not till the manuscript had undergone the usual vicissitudes of rejection at the hands of shortsighted publishers that the volume was undertaken, and issued by Messrs Hodder and Stoughton, of Paternoster Row, in 1883. The young

author was then on the point of starting on an expedition of scientific research in .the Nyanza region of Central Africa. Before the critics had time to rub their dazzled eyes, and gi ve their analysis of the light that had risen in the literary sky, he was well out of reach. Not till his return to this country, after a lapse of more than a year, did he find that he had leaped at a single bound to the giddy heights of intellectual fame. For a tolerably highpriced book, the sale has since then been something phenomenal. It has run into many editions in' England, not to speak of ma!lY pirated editions brought out by the literary , scalpers ' of the United States. Moreover, the popularity has not been of a temporary flash-in-the-pan order. A writer inan Australian paper lately asserted, and we believe with truth, that' the pulpit of the Englishspeaking world to-day, under all skies, has a flavour of Professor Drummond about it,' and would not be what it is if he had not written his book.' The writer of these lines met with an illustration of this remark but a few days ago. He was listening to a sermon by one of the very ablest of the young and rising preachers of the metropolis, and there came into. the discourse, with approval, a lengthy extract from one of Professor Drummond's glowing chapters. The very same day a lady was observed reading the book in a rail way carriage passing through a London suburb. These are but casual examples of the extent to which the book has found its way into all sections of the reading and thiuking world. There is no space here even to indicate the drift of the book. A cheaper edition is now available for the public, and every young man who desires to be well informed and abreast of the time, should seek to master its contents. Two sentences from the author's preface will suffice to show his main design in this very able, though, it must be admitted, only partially successful, attempt to reconcile religion and science --so-called. The professor says, 'As the contribution of science to religion is the vindication of the naturalness of the supernatural, so the gift of religion to science is the demonstration of the supernaturalness of the . natural. Thus as the supernatural becames slowly natural will also the natural become slowly supernatural, until in the impersonal authority of law men everywhere recognise the authority of God.'-DEAN THOR~E, in the Reporters'

Magazine.

A COLOURED brother on being asked why so many of his people clung so persistently to the idea that immersion was the only form of baptism taught in the Bible, answered, 'Dunno, massa. Spec's its cause we niggers don't know how to twist the Scriptures like you white folks.' Many an error would be avoided if people did not seek to make the Word of God conform to their own theories and desires. It is a dangerous thing both to ourselves and to others when we occupy any other position than that which David occupied when he said: 'I will hear what God the Lord will speak; for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly' (Psa, lxxxv. 8). Those that think otherwise should read 1 Peter iii, 16, and Rev. xxii, 18,19.

--

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

JANUARY, 1891.

I'

as I also overcame and have sat down with My Father upon His throne.' ITS NATURE AND PURPOSE. Such is a brief statement of our object as an Association. More particular information may be had by applying as THIS ASSOCIATIONhas been formed for the advocacy of referred to. two grand scriptural truths-namely, that immortality, Why, it may be asked, do we band ourselves together on or endless conscious being, can only be possessed by man behalf of these special truths? Simply because the acknowthrough faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and that the Second Coming of Christ shall be personal and premillen- ledged, ostensible teachers of the Christian faith, with a few exceptions, ignore or oppose them. We have General nial. The language of Scripture, taken in its obvious and Assemblies and Synods, Church Congresses, Congregational, Baptist, and Wesleyan Conferences; but how rarely do we grammatical sense, is our final standard of appeal. On that sacred authority we maintain that the Platonic find mention of these Bible themes there, unless it be to dogma of natural inherent immortality in man-on which condemn them! Instead of nursing and promul~ating those primary apostolic truths, for the defence of which our rests the revolting doctrine of endless misery; and the attractive and seductive 'teachin'g of Universalism, or the Association is set, the ostensible 'Churches of Christ' hate final salvation of all men-is a delusion and a snare. and oppose them, and sometimes expel from their memberNowhere, from its first to its closing words, does the Bible ship those who confess them. The primal falsehood, 'YE affirm that man is by nature an immortal being. 'While in SHALL NOT SURELY DIE,' is still held and cherished, and is popular religious writing and discourse men are spoken' of now doing its deceptive work in disseminating the false hope of post-mortem conversion and the final salvation of as 'immortal souls,' 'deathless spirits,' etc., immortality, . eternal life, everlasting life, or such terms, are never in all men. Therefore we are banded together to hold forth the Apostolic doctrine: 'THE WAGESOF SIN IS DEATH, Scripture applied to the unsaved ; while, on the other BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNALLIFE THROUGHJESUS hand, it in plain, unmistakable language tells that everlasting CI-IRISTOUR LORD.' life, or immortality, can be enjoyed only through faith in But while this is so, we are not a new sect. The AssociaChrist Jesus; and in the plainest terms declares that the tion consists of those who have mutual sympathy with its doom of those' who in this life die un saved is, after resurrecmatter to which particular Church or detion and judgment, the second death, destruction, euerlastinq purposes-no nomination they belong. Everyone of Christian character destruction. On the authority of God's Word we maintain that there who accepts the Bible as the Word of God, and believes will be 'resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the that life everlasting is to be obtained only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that He is comi'hg from heaven unjust,' and that 'all whose names are not found written in the Book of Life shall be cast into the lake which to earth, in glory and majesty, to reign in person over all nations, is eligible for membership. burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second We cordially invite all who have these truths at heart to death.' become members of this Association, and we would with all But the utter destruction of the wicked is only the dark side of our testimony. Our main theme is life - ENDLESS kindness and charity urge such to do so, as an act of fidelity LIFE-provided by God for every man, and kindly and to our Lord and Redeemer.

~ur Bssociation:

earnestly pressed on his acceptance. 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him might not perish, but have everlasting life' (John iii. 16). We proclaim life for every man through faith in a risen Saviour .. Our motto is, 'CHRIST OUR LIFE,' and our object is to get all men to love and own Him as 'THE PRINCE OF'LIFE.' The other grand Bible truth we are associated to maintain and promulgate is, that the Lord Jesus Christ, now in heaven, is coming back to earth again-coming in glory; and that when He 'comes in His glory then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory,' and usher in that blessed era commonly termed' the millennium,' in which all nations shall be blessed in Him, and all nations shall call Him blessed. This is the kingdom of God to be established 'under the whole heaven' -' the kingdom that God hath promised to them that love Him;' for' the saints shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever.' The King Himself gives this gracious promise: 'To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me on My throne, even

'IDeatb anl) ~llnisbment.

THE following, upon this subject, are the words of .T ohn Locke, one of England's greatest philosophers and meta, physicians, who lived between the years 1632 and 1704 : "By death, some men understand endless torments in hell fire; but it seems a. strange way of understanding It law which requires the plainest and directest words, that by death should be meant eternal life in misery. Can anyone be supposed to intend, by a law which says, 'For felony thou shalt surely die,' not that he should lose his life, but kept alive, in exquisite and perpetual torments' Would anyone think himself fairly dealt with 1 Putting together all the passa.ges which teach, either expressly or constructively, that the end of sinners is absolute destruc, tion, the number, it is believed, may be counted by hundreds. Sometimes the word used is (as in Matt. vii. 13, 14), destruction itself, and destruction cannot mean endless preservation in misery. Sometimes it is 'death,'

JANUARY,

1891.

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

and death cannot mean life in suffering. Sometimes it is being burnt up like chaff, and being burnt up like chaff, we contend, cannot mean being kept unconsumed, like the bush of old, in the flames. Sometimes it is 'being devoured' (as in the scripture, 'judgment and fiery indignation which shall devour them '); and being devoured, we assert, cannot rightly be thought to signify being kept whole and living to undergo suffering forever. So of several other expressions, such as 'to perish,' 'to be slain,' 'to be killed,' 'to lose life,' 'to consume,' 'to reap corruption,' 'to be blotted out,' 'to be rooted up,' 'to be cut off,' 'to be dashed to pieces,' 'to be lost,' 'to be ground -, to powder,' 'to be cut asunder,' 'to be cast away,' 'to melt away,' 'not to abide forever,' 'to be as nothing.' Many of these are doubtless figurative phrases; but if they 'do not indicate finality, no language would suffice to do ISO. If to perish is to be immortal, words have no certain meaning; and if to die is to live forever, whether in suffering or in bliss, no language can be confidently construed. (Matt. xxv, 46.) It seems to be generally assumed that the word 'punishment' -the effect of the sentence-is everlasting. These words cannot mean the process of punishment is continuous, any more than the words 'everlasting judgment' mean that the process of judging will be going on to all eternity; or that the similar expression, 'eternal redemption,' means that the redemption is being eternally wrought out. In both these instances it is the eifect and not the process which is everlasting. To suit the common doctrine, the meaning would be, 'These shall go away into everlasting life in misery but the righteous into everlasting life in happiness!' But there is no ground in scripture for such an interpretation. It is 'life' and 'death,' which are set in opposition, 'life,' and 'destruction,' 'life,' 'punishment,' or some equivalent term. It is never , everlasting happiness,' and 'everlasting misery,' nor any form of expression which, carefully weighed, will bear such an interpretation. Whatever the punishment, it is not life of any kind. The particle 'but' would be forceless if it were. Let us for a moment suppose that the text had been, 'These shall go away into everlasting punish, ment, but the righteous into everlasting light,' clearly we should conclude that the punishment was not light of any kind, but darkness. So, from the text in question, we should infer that the punishment, not being life, must be death, especially when so many other pltSsages teach us that death is the punishment of the wicked, and life the very blessing that is peculiar to the good. 'The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.' "

~ractical <tbrtattanit\?

WE would not give a cent for a man's Christianity unless it enters into the very vitals of his everyday walk and conversation, into all his business dealings. Away with skim-coated, galvanised Christianity. A sign up to serve God, and all the while carrying on the business of the -devil inside. Bantering with the devil, and all the while a

name to serve God. Oh.! these Balaams who want to do as God says, and at the same time dicker for the devil's dimes are numerous nowadays. , Ye cannot serve God and mammo'n.' Do you hear it 1 Do you believe it 1 You cannot split your covetous soul in two, and palm off half on to Christ, if the devil will put up with the other half.' Come now, let us get down to facts; you have been looking at the froth long enough. 'What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul 1 or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? ' Think of the bargain you are making and its results. The trouble with Esau was, he let his appetite run away with him; he must have that savoury pottage or die. Nonsense! he could have lived without it if he had only thought so. Fatal mistake! In a few minutes the pottage is gone-and his birthright too! In a few hours the exhilarating effect of the pottage has passed away, and the tide of remorse at the thought of the lost birthright sets in, which no grief assuages, nor tears reverse! Alas! how many Esaus there are in these days, who sell out mother, home, heaven, and honour, ascheap as dirt. Look here, brother, do you entertain the mistaken idea that Christianity consists in an assent to the claims of Christ under the 'soft impeachment' of some popular revivalist, while you may keep on cheating folks as usual, thinking now to atone for it by dividing the spoil with the church 1 God does not command all men everywhere to assent to Christianity. He commands them to repent of their sins. And that does not mean to whine and whimper about it and keep 'on as usual. It means stop it. I read of some who -c~me to Christ with the noble inquiry, 'Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have, therefore l' Now that was a fair trade and an honest question; and Christ gave it a square answer--satisfaction. But if men were to honestly state their case to Christ to-day, many of them, they would say, 'Lord, we have left nothing; what shall we have, therefore 1' I think I hear the answer, 'Nothing.' Christianity means, brother, a quitting of something' here for something else to be obtained hereafter. The man who does not choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of' God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, is not going far on this line. He must make that desperate choice and follow it up. He must choose to suffer affliction with God's people, whether he gets it or not, and the man who strikes in for that pay does not generally get left. He must get so anchored with hope on to the powers of the world to come, that he can say to this world's pleasures, 'You are no good; you may just be done and gone, for all of me.' Ah! these folks who make a trade for religion just for present inducements, most always go back on the bargain sooner or later. But that fellow who has got his faith's eyes rubbed open until he can see into another world-my soul! how he does cling on to the chariot, if she does go over rough places! When you come to look around and count noses, he is there! C. E. CoPP.

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

.JANUARY, 1891.

1Rllssian Sects.
IN the Review of Reviews for July, 1~90, there appears the following resume of an article on Russian Sects, from the Samtiden, a Scandinavian magazine :-" The present number gives a blood-curdling description of the vagaries of four of the principal Russian sects, viz., Schalopatians, the Wanderers, the Skoptzians, or White Doves, and the Sacrificers. The Schalopatians, in addition to the god-mother, or female Messiah, have a 'living god' of the male sex, The Wanderers are much respected by the Russians generally, who are happy to give them food and drink without payment. Deserting house and home, wives and children, they wander about the world, restless as Ahasuerus. U rider the open sky they draw their last breath, and then only is their pilgrimage ended. In the belief that God has made the Devil the ruler of the world, they shun all things earthly as Satanic-renounce the church and sacraments, property and marriage, as well as union of any kind with woman. The Skoptzian creed is of all creeds the most morbid. According to this theory, man being born a sinner, it makes no difference how one lives. One sin more or less is of no significance. So far, the Skoptzian faith is a comfortable one. It is considered the duty of every man to leave a son, in order that the race may not die out, so that if he have no son by one wife, he must leave her and marry again, and so on, until a son is born to him, after which he must have no more offspring, The same rule applies to women. The Skoptzians torture themselves barbarously by mutilation, and the Sacrificers are a sect to be dreaded. These fanatics keep aloof from all public ceremonies or gatherings, fearing that the world's attention may be drawn to their bloodthirsty deeds. Little, therefore, has been known until lately of ~heir belief, ceremonies, and church services. According to their faith, all that is necessary to pass them into heaven is that torture and pain be given to some one; and the some one is generally some one else, M. Prugsevic states that since this sect commenced its work more than 10,000 persons, willing and unwilling, have been sacrificed. . a The operations are conducted by two classes of womenthe mission of the one class being to seek victims ; of the other to sacrifice. The first-named class usually consists of handsome women"who appear in society as young widows or property owners from some foreign land. They live in luxury, dress coquettishly and expensively, lure men into their toils, encourage them, and finally invite them to the lonely hall they have engaged, where they are delivered into the hands of the priestess, who undertakes the blood. thirsty task of torturing and slaying. The description of these dangerous fanatics and their ceremonies reads like some gruesome fairy tale, In an underground place, in continuous darkness, the victim is tormented by hunger and thirst until completely broken down. He is then brought to a priest, to 'whom he must confess his sins. Ignorant of the people by whom he is surrounded, and hoping yet to be saved, he readily complies. He is then

brought to another underground place gleaming with light, where the priest pronounces his doom; the priestesses gather round to commence their deadly work, and after several days' torture (decided according to the number of his sins), the mutilated victim is offered up to God as a sacrifice in the presence of the members of the sect, who chant a dirge around him."

Sam 30nes on 30ining tbe cburcb.

I SAY all the good people I have ever known were members of some Christian Church. If you have a man in Chicago that's a good Christian and don't belong to any Church, I want to see him. I want to get his photograph to take around with me, and say, 'Here's one Christian that had an opportunity to join the Church, but wouldn't join.' When a man gets religion, brethren, he breaks right away for the Church of God, just like a young duck does for the pond, precisely. I don't care if an old hen did hatch him out, it's the nature of the little fellow to go to the pond. I used myself to talk that way. ' I can live as well out of the Church as in. There's no use in joining the Church at all.' But as soon as I gave my heart to God, if they didn't open the door of the Church I would have broken it down, and got in anyhow. I must get in now; no use of talking. I'll tell yoU- nother thing: if ever you expect to be a a Christian, the fact that you gave your heart to God involves the fact that you gave your hand to the Church. I don't want any of you slipping around this meeting giving yourselves to God, and then undecided what Church to join. Folks ain't very particular when they get a good case of religion, bus they'll go into 'most any Church open to them. Some people when they get religion sit up and say, 'To save my life I can't determine what Church to join. I don't think any of them suits me.' Well, yours is a peculiar case, and I reckon the Lord will have to send His angels down just to organise a church to suit you. Lord, have mercy on some people in this world! That's sort of like during the war, we had Union men and Southern men who wouldn't join any regiment, and they were what we call a 'bushwhacker,' and a bushwhacker would kill a Union man as quickly as he would a rebel, 'cause he was after what that fellow had in his pocket. God deliver me from these religious bush whackers that don't belong to any command, but are just after the spoils in the whole business! You give your heart to God in this meeting, and don't let a Sabbath pass without going to some of these Christian Churches, and say, 'Brethren, take me in, and lift me.' And don't come in to be a little baby to be nursed; but say, 'Brother, I will lift you. I will measure arms with anybody. I never come in to be fed on soothing syrup and the bottle; but I'm going to be some one, God being my helper.' Brother, we don't want any more babies. Got enough now, haven't you, brethren (turning to the ministers) 1

JANUARY,

1891.

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

J

7
to

'IDncle lDaniel'B 113ible (,1888.

From' Words of Truth.'

strated with our friend for hiding his light, and urged him
to join his church, where his influence would be felt; which Uncle Daniel replied:

'The light that I have is from the Lord, and far be it from me to hide it. If I should join with you, would you DANIEL ELLSWORTH, whom I am about to write, was really permit me to teach all that the Lord has taught me r of not a great man according to the popular acceptation of the , To be sure,' was the eager reply, 'only, of course, you term, never having done anything to especially distinguish would not teach anything that would conflict with the himself; but according to Cowper's definition: standards of our church as expressed in the Creed, or Confessions of Faith. It would not do, you know, to 'The good alone are great,' he would rank high in the scale of greatness, He was a disturb those foundations.'
I.-INTRODUCTORY.

plain, straightforward man with a clear head and a large 'I thought you were giving me too much liberty,' said heart, who followed the golden rule in all his dealings, and our friend. 'I take the Bible as my guide, and endeavour so had the esteem of all in the town of Amityville, where to build upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles, he lived for many"years, by whom he was familiarly known Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner-stone; whereas, as Uncle Daniel. according to your admission, your guide is first the Church There was one peculiarity about our friend which some standards, and afterward the Bible.' considered a defect in his otherwise perfect character-no 'I hardly think you fairly represent the case,' replied amount of persuasion or argument could influence him to the clergyman. 'We also take the Bible as our guide, but join any of the religious sects of the town. In his life and accept the interpretation of its cardinal doctrines as given conversation he gave evidence that he was an earnest by the fathers of the Church as final and binding.' Christian, and his intimate friends declared that in his 'Seeing you have introduced the topic,' said Mr. Ellsknowledge of the Holy Scriptures he was, a ' Walking worth, 'let us consider it for a moment calmly. Were Concordance,' while his well-chosen library as well as his these "fathers of your Church" inspired men l' conversation betokened a man whose mind ran in no narrow , Certainly not !' channel, and withal he was a man of devoted piety, who , Were they better fitted than you or I to form an opinion trained his children in the nature and admonition of the of what the book teaches l' Lord. 'I should think not; and in reality, with an advanced Repeated efforts had been made by leading sectarians to secure so valuable an addition to their companies, but scholarship of to-day we have advantages that they never without success. Deacon Ambrose, an earnest proselyter, possessed. ' 'Then,' said Uncle Daniel, 'why should you be a slave once remarked to him in the course of conversation: to their decrees, and attempt to lead me into bondage 1 'Uncle Daniel, what is your religion anyway r 'Well, Deacon, I profess to be a Christian,' was the We have the same divine light to guide us, then why not go directly to the True Light, instead of filtering it through prompt reply. these interpretations of men who lived in an era when . 'Yes! I know, but to what church do you.belong l' , To the Church of God, that is the only Church I know bigotry and dogmatism reigned supreme 1 Why should we, amid the enlightenment of the' nineteenth century, bow beof for Christians.' neath a human yoke. For myself, I must stand firm in '0, of course! of course! I know, but''You mean,' said Uncle Daniel, smiling, 'to what sect the liberty wherewith Christ hath made me free, and shall not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. No human do I belong.' ' decrees or ordinances shall warp my conscience, or bind 'Well-yes-that's it,' said the deacon. 'I endeavour to take the Bible as my guide in matters my will in matters pertaining to the Divine life; but with of religion,' was the reply, 'and I fail to find there any the Bible as my rule of faith and practice, and acknowledgallusion to the numerous sects that have such zealous ing no master but Christ, I shall endeavour to walk in the advocates at the present day. I read of the sects of the light the Lord hath given, even though I have to walk Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the sect everywhere spoken alone with God.' To this there was no reply. The earnest, truthful words against. As this latter sect was composed of followers of carried conviction with them; and like the young man who Christ, that must be the sect I' belong to. By the way,' continued our friend, 'are you aware that the Bible condemns came to Jesus and was told to sell all he had, he went away sects as heresies 1 and that the two words "sects," and sorrowful, for he had great possessions. The sacrifice was too "heresy" are different renderings of the same Greek word great, for he who fearlessly declares the whole counsel of " hairesis 7" Let us be on our guard how we sow the seeds God, without regard to sectarian trammellings, must make of heresy by countenancing sects, denominations and divi- up his mind to suffer persecution from those who, bound hand and foot, are' teaching for doctrines the commandsions in the Church of God.' The Rev. Philip Ecclesiasticus, D.D., pastor of the leading ments of men.' religious society in town, feelingimpelled by duty, remon(To be continued.)

8 " ~U'-~

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

VC>

JANUAkY,1891.

~~'~\) ~
t

~~
EDITED

j)3tble $tan~~ ~tO

ORGAN~:
OF THE

~C3 cV~ New Zealand Evangelistic and Publication Association.

BY GEO. ALDRIDGE.

~MONTHLY

way qualified to present these items as succinctly as possible. Attention is also called to our children's column. We trust great interest will be taken in this, by all the children of the Sunday-schools, and of the households which the Standard may visit. We hope that our messenger may be welcomed as of old with love and affection, and we send forth this number with our heart's greeting to all our readers scattered abroad. We desire to greet you with cheery words at this New Year time, and, with the freedom of an old friend, express our hope that your faith is still as keen in the promise of the Master, and that your service is becoming more intense as the days go by.

ASSISTED

BY

SPECIAL

CONTRIBUTORS.

I;1iT The Editor wishes it to be understood that, while he exercises a general supervision over the articles and corsespondence appearing in the STANDARD, responsibility for sentiments expressed rests upon the individual writer.

For ourselves we are resolved to make war against the old dogmas which we have fought so long, and do not SUBSCRIPTIONS 1891 are now due and should be for intend to give in, so long 'as anyone of them can show a forwarded to the publisher without delay. sign of life. We call on every reader of this paper to FRIENDS willing to act as agents are requested to com- help in the warfare. At this season of the year many municate with the Publisher. good resolutions are made. Will you make one with us WE hope to hear of Auxiliaries being formed to assist now, that by God's help you will do your utmost during the parent Association in its work. This is the day of this year 1891 to forward the cause which has for its small things, but we cannot tell to what proportions the object the destruction of the foul doctrine of soul immorwork will grow. tality, with the brood of lying teachings which it has WE request Secretaries of Churches, or of Association brought forth. There is also the positive message to Auxiliaries, to keep us well supplied with news of their accompany this overturning work, that eternal life is to be work. Items to reach the Editor not later than the 20th had through Christ, and to be bestowed by God, that the of each month. possessor may enjoy it in the coming kingdom of God. These truths must be sounded abroad, as the only teachings which guarantee that the world's great need shall be fully B (tall for 'UUlorRer5. met and satisfied. You 9-n aid us greatly. We as an . . . . . .. ITH the present issue of the Standard Association desire to satisfy the continual requests which we take a new departure. In deference come to us for literature for distribution, and we should , to the wishes of many correspondents also like to send forth the living voice. Your assistance and friends interested in the truths we will be a belp. By joining the Association and forwarding advocate we have determined to make your subscription, you will be rendering great service to renewed efforts to spread the truth by the general executive in its plans how best to forward the ~~~~~~~~ means of the printed messenger. We cause. By endeavouring to spread the truth in your own commence this new issue trusting confidently to the many immediate district you will be sowing seed which may lovers of the truth to help in making the paper more widely grow into an abundant harvest. In this work you will known. Ten years of service have passed by since the first find the Standard an invaluable help. Judiciously given number was issued, and we have reason to believe that many out it will second your efforts, and may serve to clear many have been 'glad that the paper was sent forth bearing its glad difficulties from the way. Dear reader, if you have found message to those who were in darkness, and who by its this paper to be helpful to you, believe that it may be so to instrumentalitv have walked out into the light of day. others. If it only causes some to open the long- neglected ThQ old, hideous conceptions of the character of God have Bible, it will accomplish a very necessary work. This it passed away, and those which the Bible supplies have has done in many instances, and we believe it will be the taken their place. The change has been a welcome one, means of doing the same kind of work for the future, if and the messenger that brought the tidings has had a only its present readers will introduce it to those who as grateful reception. vVe rejoice that we are able to send it yet scarcely know of its existence. forth again, this time with a. few changes which we trust Brethren, we shall find our happiness in work. The will make it acceptable to many who, hitherto, have .not phrase has become somewhat stereotyped, and we fear in been interested in our work. many cases,almost meaningiess-' A Happy New Year.' .As will be seen from the front page of this number, .we We believe the foundations of happiness for the coming shall endeavour to supply our readers with brief notice of year may be laid by us all, in striving to make known the the important reiigious -and social questions of the day.jmessage which has been entrusted to us, 'Life only in This section is in charge of a gentleman who is in every' Christ, and the coming kingdom.' By making these truths

1Aoticee.

JANUARY,

1891.

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

known, we shall surely bring happiness to some, and this will increase our own. May we not count upon you, dear reader as a fellow workman in the Lord's service 1 The time is fast nearing when the Master shall come in a.nd reckon with His servants, 'to give to every man according as his works shall be.' Should He come at this season, would it be to us the happiest of all New Years? Surely, if we are loving His appearing. We have written above of service which we believe may be rendered to make known the Bible truth concerning that advent of Christ, and the blessings it will bring. T5at is but one avenue of service. If we are truly His, and looking for Him, 'as they that watch for the morning,' our whole lives will be devoted to Him, and the New Year, just dawning, whether He comes or not, will be the happiest we have yet experienced. \ As the golden gates of this New Year swing open to admit us, may we with renewed zeal cast aside all hin drances, and, consecrating ourselves anew to the struggle for right and truth, 'press on toward the goal, unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.'
EDITOR.

tl)apers on tbe 1king~om of a;o~.

No. I.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BIBLE DOCTRINE OF THE KINGDOM.

abused imprecatory psalms fall into place in the harmonious whole which this doctrine weaves. The New Testament is shown as the offspring of the older record, developing still further the divine plan, the same doctrine thus running through both books, binding history, prophecy, narrative, sermon and epistle into one grand whole. Men are nowadays calling in question the truthfulness of the Bible, its canonical authority, its credibility, its inspiration. These are questions which are being raised and fought with fierce vigour. To me all these questions are solved by the kingdom doctrine-the internal evidence of its coherency, its great plan, purpose, and upbuilding. To me it seems the greatest folly ever committed by men to consider the questions of the morality, the miracles, and the inspiration of the Scripture, apart from the doctrine with which they are so intimately connected. As a preface, then, to what is afterwards to be presented, let me here call attention to its importance in the Bible. The term' kingdom of God' occurs about seventy times in the New Testament, 'kingdom of heaven' about twenty times, and there are about thirty references to it. The proclamation concerning this kingdom was the message which so stirred Jerusalem and J udea, when John the Baptist came:
'In those days cometh John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, say.ing, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' (Matt. iii. 1).

This doctrine was also preached by Jesus:

, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: Repent ye and believe the gospel' (Mark i. 15, and Luke iv. 43).

T is on my heart to call the attention of the readers of the Standard to a doctrine which seems to be the most important, and the most comprehensive, in the whole range of Bible revelation - important, because it is placed to the front in every dispensation: comprehensive, because it seems to embrace every other doctrine, and to be the key to all history and prophecy. It is the doctrine of the 'kingdom of God.' Much has been said of this already in this paper, but it has been chiefly in isolated fashion. I wish to make the attempt to present the teachings of the Bible in something like a consecutive manner, and show how, as Bible history progresses, the teaching on the kingdom develops. It is a fact lamented by the ablest divines that there is something radically wrong in our prevailing interpretation of the Bible which allows such diversity of antagonistic exegesis and doctrine, by which the truth is weakened and so humbled, so that revelation itself becomes the object of rationalistic and infidel ridicule and attack. Nay, it is sorely wounded in the house of its friends. Dr. Rothe, speaking on this matter of diverse interpretations, says, 'Our key does not open; the right key is lost.' Reader, I believe the lost key to the understanding of Scripture is this very doctrine, which, in this series of papers, we are to consider -the doctrine of the kingdom. It is the key which fits the lock. The Old Testament history becomes clearer when that doctrine is seen. The reason for the selection of certain narratives, the meaning and place of certain books, are better understood by it. Even the much-

His disciples are one with Him in this proclamation:

'He went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good tidings of the kingdom of God, and with him the twelve' (Luke viii. 12; see-also ix. 1 and x. 1-11).

Every reader will be familiar with the fact that they preached this message during the ministry of their Master, and were instructed about it in the beautiful parables which He uttered. There is, therefore, no need that these facts should be proved at length. I therefore pass over to the Book of Acts. This is done because we are taught that the message of Christ and His disciples during His ministry was one peculiar to the time, given to one people, and confined to a limited geographical sphere. The objection might be raised, 'But Christ only spake this message to Jews, as did His disciples; what of the Gospel to the Gentiles 1' This objection we wish to meet, and in these papers to show that the main theme of the Gospel now is, or should be, that which was preached when Chrisj was on the earth. After the ascension of their Master to heaven, the apostles still preached the kingdom of God, with the addition which the events of the recent past had added, 'The things concerning the name of' Jesus Christ' (Acts viii. 12, xx. 25, xxviii. 23, 30, 31). If we find that this theme-the kingdom of God-was a prominent one in the preaching of the early messengers, it is reasonable that we should conclude that it is still an important one. But my next step is to affirm that the nature of the kingdom, and the things pertaining to it, can only be

10

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

JANUARY,

1891.

ascertained within the limits of Scripture. It is God's kingdom, a kingdom which He has purposed to establish, and being the outgrowth of His divine purpose, we must apply to Him for information concerning it. We shall find the information which we need where we find the term-namely, in the Bible. This must be our source of knowledge, in preference to human opinions. The kingdom itself, the theme of a thousand prophecies, is beyond human ability to portray unless the divine description is carefully studied and copied. Outside the Scriptures nothing reliable is to be found excepting it be wholly originating from the Bible record. To the fountain-head, therefore, we will apply ourselves that we may appreciate and enjoy the issuing stream of pure covenant and prophecy. God's words are certainly to be preferred to man's. Let me put this important matter in another way. The doctrine of the kingdom being one of the greatest in the Bible, it must, like all pure Christian doctrine, be found in its pages, and no true or Scripturally-Iounded doctrine of the kingdom can be at variance with the express language of Holy Writ. To apprehend fully any Bible doctrine, there must be a careful comparison of Scripture with Scripture, and this I trust will be apparent as we pass along, month by month, in our homely papers on this theme. . The next thought is that the doctrine cannot be properly apprehended without acknowledging the intimate connection which subsists between the Old and New Testaments. There are many points which might be put forward to indicate this. It is sufficient for present purposes that I here note the very striking thing, that when the message is first preached as given in the Gospels, there is no definition given of the term 'kingdom of God.' Turn up to the passages in the New Testament and this will be evident. This can be accounted for on no other supposition than that those who heard it were quite familiar with its meaning. Where could they have learned of it 1 From the Old Testament, which promises a kingdom to come (Dan. xi. 44, vii. 27, and others). Before drawing this paper to a close I should like to give you a series of propositions relative to this subject given by Mr. Peters in his work on the' Theocratic Kingdom.'

since it is the distinguishing blessing and honour given to Him by the Father, and belongs to Him as His inheritance. 9. We are invited, as the most precious of privileges, to inherit this kingdom. 10. It is the constantly-presented object of faith and hope, which influence us to prayer, duty, and watchfulness. 11. It is the result of the preparatory dispensation, enabling us to appreciate the means employed to attain this end. 12. It embraces within itself perfect redemption, for in it all promises of God will be verified and realised. 13. It exhibits in outward form the pleasure of the divine will in the salvation of the race, and the deliverance of creation. 14. It brings the divine utterances into unity of design, and vindicates the inspiration of Holy Writ. 15. It enforces not only the humanity but the divinity of Christ with the strongest reasoning. 16. It exhibits to us the majesty and glory of Jesus' the Christ' as Theocratic king, and the pre-eminent position of those who are co-heirs with Him. If these can be borne out, and if the Scripture references given in this paper are clear in their testimony, then I think sufficient has been adduced to show that the doctrine of the kingdom is of vital importance. To have learned so much is a step in the way to a fuller comprehension of the divine will. To get the grasp of this theme no effort can be too great, for it means the obtaining of the truth of the Bible, the full object of its gift to men. Christians have failed to understand what God has meant in His Word because they have persistently ignored the object of ths divine revelation. Let it be our resolve that we will patiently investigate, that we may grow in both grace and knowledge. ALPHA.

'THE Gospel of John,'

says Dr. W. R. Harper, the eminent Bible scholar, 'is the greatest book ever written.' Dr. Schaff calls it 'the most important literary work ever composed by man: the Gospel of Gospels; a marvel even in the marvellous Book of books.' Origen terms it, 'the main Gospel.' Chrysostom says, 'It is a voice of thunder reverberating through the whole earth.' J erome says, 'John excels in these depths of divine mysteries.' Calvin 1. The kingdom is the object designed by the oath-bound says it is ' the key that opens the way to a right undercovenant. standing of the other three Gospels.'. Marnesti calls' it 2. It is the great theme of' prophecy. Lange, 'the diamond among 3. It is the subject which embraces a larger proportion 'the heart of Jesus'; Gospels' ; and Herder says it was 'written by the hand of revelation than all other subjects combined; thus indiof an angel.' cating the estimation in which it is held by God. RELIGION is no value to a merchant unless it keeps him 4. It was the leading subject of the preaching of John from putting false labels on his goods; or to a plasterer the Baptist, Christ, the disciples, and apostles. 5. It was thecherished subject of preaching in the primi- unless it keeps him from putting up a ceiling that he knows will crack in six months; or to a farmer unless it keeps him tive Church. from putting the only sound pippins on the top of the 6. It is the foundation of a correct Scriptural preaching, barrel..-Talmage. for the Gospel itself is the 'Gospel of the Kingdom.' ONE thing, and only one, in this world has eternity 7. To promote its establishment Jesus appears, suffers, stamped upon it. Feelings pass, opinions change: what and dies, and to manifest it will come again. 8. Jesus Christ Himself must be deeply interested in it, you have done lasts.-Robertsan .

JANUARY,

1891.

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

11

THE NEW YEAR. ANOTHER year! another year! Has borne its record to the skies. Another year! another year, Untried, unproved, before us lies; We hail with smiles its dawning rayHow shall we meet its final day? Another year! another year ! Its squandered hours will ne'er return. Oh ! many a heart must quail with fear O'er memory's blotted page to turn. No record from the leaf will fade, Not one erasure may be made, Another year! another year! How many a grief has marked its flight! Some whom we love, no more are hereThey sleep in dust and dreamless night, Ah ! none can bless the coming year Like those no more to greet us here. Another year! another year! Oh ! many a blessing, too, was given, Our lives to deck, our hearts to cheer, And antedate the joys of heaven: But they, too, slumber in the past, Where JOYsand griefs must sink at last. Another year l another year! Gaze we no longer on the past, Nor let us shrink with faithless fear, From the dark shade the future casts. The past, the future-what are they To those whose lives may end to-day ? Another year! another year! Perchance the last of life below, Who, ere it close, Death's call may hear, None but the Lord of Life can know. Oh ! to be found, whene'er that day May come, prepared to pass away. Another year! another year! Help us earth's thorny path to tread; So may each moment bring us near To 'thee, ere yet our lives are fled. Saviour, we yield ourselves to Thee, For time and for eternity.

Anon.

\taking tbe Bit..

T is well known that there can be no life without air, no health without abundance of fresh air. Persons whose health has been declining . are often restored by a change of air; persons -who-have suffered by living in - doors are improved in health by living in the open air; and persons who are weary and fretful and nervous become calm and quiet by going out into the air. But the benefit derived from the air is not derived from its action upon the surface of the body, however pleasing that may be on a hot day: for a man may die with air all around him. The real benefit people derive from air is by breathing it. When pure air is taken into the lungs, the blood is purified and life is prolonged; but if air is not taken into the lungs, death speedily ensues. Hence 'taking the air' signifies breathing the air.

As all the air in the world will do a person no good except he inhale it, we may infer the importance of free and unrestricted breathing; and the less pure the air is, the more of it must be inhaled in order that vigorous life be sustained. Everything that tends to expand or enlarge the lungs, and increase the breathing capacity, enables people to use more air, and thereby to gain and maintain health and strength, while anything which reduces the breathing capacity enfeebles the constitution, and cuts short the life. It is no use to have lungs unless there is air to breathe, and it is of no use to have air unless there are lungs to inhale it. Many women are panting for breath when the air is forty miles deep all around them, simply because the lower part of their chest is so drawn in that the lungs cannot possibly be expanded to inhale the needed air. As long as the weather is cool, and the air is dense, they get along more comfortably; but when the weather becomes warm, and the air becomes rarefied, they pant and gasp, and can hardly get their breath. As long as the air is very pU1'e they breathe without special inconvenience; but if they undertake vigorous exercise, which demands an extra supply of air,their breathing becomes laboured; and if they enter rooms where the air is vitiated and foul, they then are unable to. get enough pure air out of the mixture to supply what is necessary for their health, and they are liable to faint away, as tightly-dressed women often do in church in the evening, when the air is less pure than it is in the morning, and when women are more closely dressed than they are during the week-as it seems to be customary to prepare for the worship of God by dressing under the direction of the devil,-whose servants, the Parisian prostitutes, seem to set most of the fashions which professedly Christian women seek to follow. Many persons who go to the country or ~o the sea-side to take the air would find twice as much air at home if they would only loosen their clothing and let it into their lungs, thus allowing them the exercise which is necessary to maintain them in a healthful condition. Till they do this they will pant, and suffer, and grow pale, and be subject to. all the diseases which would usually come upon such delicate organs as the lungs when left unused and packed together and compressed out of all proper shape. One might as well expect to preserve damp clothing packed in the bottom of a barrel as to preserve the lungs in a good condition when they are cramped and crowded, and not allowed to be expanded and exercised. No wonder that such lungs become inflamed and solidified; no wonder that tubercles develop in them, and then poor, sickly, helpless invalids suffer, and dose, and doctor, and put all sorts of nostrums into their stomachs to cure their lungs. The best medicine for the lungs is .pure air, and this will come into the lungs of itself as soon as all bands, fetters, and constricting articles are removed from the base of the chest, so that the ribs can play naturally, enlarging the cavity of the chest, and thus drawing in the pure air, and breathing that breath of life which God breathed into man's nostrils at the beginning, and without which all living creatures die.

12

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

JANUARY,

1891.

~be 'U'Ulife's<Bentle 1Reproof.

ONE day as Zachariah Hodgson was going to his daily avocations after breakfast, he purchased a fine large codfish, and sent it home with directions to his wife to have it cooked for dinner. As no particular mode of cooking-was prescribed, the good woman well knew that, whether she boiled it or made it into chowder, her husband would scold her when he came home. But she resolved to please him for once, if possible, and therefore cooked several portions of it in several different ways. She also, with some difficulty, procured an amphibious animal from a brook at the back of the house, and plumped it into the pot. In due time her husband came home; some covered dishes were placed on the table, and, with a frowning, fault-finding look, the moody man commenced the conversation. , Well, wife, did you get the fish I bought 1' 'Yes, husband.' 'I should like to know how you have cooked it. I will bet anything that you have spoiled it for my eating.' Taking off the cover, 'I thought so; what in creation possessed you to fry it 1 I would as lief eat a boiled frog.' 'Why, husband, I thought you loved it best fried.' , You didn't think any such thing; you knew better: I never loved fried fish. Why didn't you boil it! How stupid! ' 'Why, Zachariah, the last time we had fresh fish, you know, I boiled it, and you said you liked it best fried. But I have boiled some also.' So saying, she lifted a cover, and 10' the shoulders of the cod, nicely boiled, were neatly deposited in a dish-a sight of which would have made an epicure rejoice, but which only added to the illnature of her husband. 'A pretty dish, this,' exclaimed he-' boiled fish', chips and porridge l If you had not been one of the most stupid of womankind, you would have made it into a.chowder! ' His patient wife, with a smile, immediately placed a tureen before him containing an excellent chowder. 'My dear,' said she, 'I was resolved to please you. There is your favourite dish.' 'Favourite dish, indeed! I dare slty it IS a very unpalatable, wishy-washy mess; I would rather have a boiled frog than the whole of it.' This was a common expression of his, and had been anticipated by his wife, who as soon as the preference was expressed, uncovered a large dish near her husband, and there was a large BULL-FROG,portentous dimensions and of pugnacious aspect stretched out at full length , Zachariah sprang from his chair, not a little frightened at the unexpected apparition. 'My dear,' said his wife, in a kind, entreating tone, 'I hope you will at length be able to make a dinner.' Zachariah could not stand this. His surly mood was finally overcome, and he burst into a hearty laugh. He

B 1bousebol~ lDru~ge.
A WOMAN should never allow herself to become a household drudge; and when she finds she has no time to read an occasional good book, or write a letter to a friend, to read a story to the children, or to walk or talk with her husband, she may conclude that there is something wrong somewhere in her domestic economy, and the more quickly she recognises and remedies the evil, the better it will be for herself and family. If she is obliged to do her own family sewing, every tuck or ruffle she puts' on her baby's clothes is a crime. The hour or hours spent in making an elaborate dress that baby will look 'lovely' in, is a waste of energy that a mother who does her own work cannot afford. Baby will look quite as lovely in her eyes in a plain slip, and if he has only his elaborate dress to recommend him to the eyes of others, he might rather pass unnoticed. Give the matter serious thought, oh, tired housekeeper, and see if you do not daily take many unnecessary steps, and do much that you might, without injury to anyone, leave undone. Rest your body and improve your mind, keeping your face and heart as fresh as possible;as you value the love of your husband and
children.-Selected.

Sin's jfataI jfascination.

WHENonce a young man has done a wrong thing, it has an awful power of attracting him and making him hunger to do it again. Every evil that I do may, indeed, for a moment create in me a revulsion of conscience,but stronger than that revulsion of conscience, it exercises a fascination over me which it is hard to resist. It is a great deal easier to find a man that has never done a wrong thing' than to find a man that has only done it once! If the wall of the dyke is sound it will keep the water out, but if there is the tiniest hole in it it will all come in. So the evil that you do asserts its power over you; it has a fierce, longing desire after you, and it gets you into its clutches. Beware of the first evils, for as sure as you are living, the first step taken will make the second seem to become necessary.' The first drop will be followed by a bigger second, and the second at a shorter interval by a more copious third, until the drops become a shower, and the shower becomes a deluge. The course of evil is ever wider and deeper, and more tumultuous. The little sins get in at the window and open the front door for the big housebreakers. One smooths the path for the other. All sin has an awful power of perpetuating and increasing itself. As the prophet says in his awful vision of the doleful creatures that make their sport in the desolate city, 'None of them shall want her mate. The wild beasts of the desert shall meet with the wild beasts of the island.' Every sin tells upon the character, and makes the repetition of itself more and more easy. ' None. is barren among acknowledged that his wife was right and that he was them.' And all sin is linked together in a slimy tangle, wrong, and declared that she should never again have like a field of sea-weed, so that the man once caught in its occasion to read him such a lesson; and he was as good as oozy fingers is almost sure to drown. --Dr. Alexander his word. .J.lfacla1'en .

JANUARY,

1891.

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

13

lbow to ~reacb.
MAKE no apologies. If you have the Lord's message, deliver it; if not, hold your peace. Have short prefaces and introductions. Say your best things first, and stop before you get prosy. Do not spoil the appetite for dinner by too much thin soup. Leave self out of the pulpit and take Jesus in. 'Defend the gospel, and let the Lord defend you and your character. If you are lied about, thank the devil for putting you on your guard, and take care that the story shall never come true. Let your beard grow. Throwaway your cravat. If you do not' want to break,' make your shirt collar an inch larger, and give your blood a chance to flow back to the heart. Do not get excited too soon. Do not run away from your hearers. Engine driving-wheels fly fast with no load, but when they draw anything they go slower. It takes a cold hammer to bend a hot iron. Heat up the people, but keep the hammer cool. Do not bawl and scream. Too much water stops mill-wheels, and too much noise drowns sense. Empty vessels ring the loudest. Powder isn't shot. Thunder isn't lightning. Lightning kills. If you have lightning, you can afford to thunder; but do not try to thunder out of an empty cloud. Do not scold the people. Do not abuse the faithful souls who come to meeting rainy days because of the others who do not come. Preach the best to smallest assemblies. Jesus preached to one woman at the well, and she got all Samaria out to hear Him next time. Ventilate your meeting-room. Sleeping in church is due to bad air oftener than to bad manners. Do not repeat, saying, 'as I said before.' If you said it before, say something else after. Leave out words. you cannot define. Stop your declamation and talk to folks. Come down from stilted and sacred tones, and become a little child. Change the subject if it goes hard. Do not tire yourself and everyone else out. Do not preach till the middle of your sermon buries the beginning, and is buried by the end. Lock people in the face, and live so that you are not afraid of them. Take long breaths; fill your lungs and keep them full. Stop to breathe before the air is exhausted. Then you will not finish off each sentence-ah with a terrible gasp-ah, as if you were dying for air-ab, as some preachers do-ah, and so strain their lungs-ah, and never find it out-ah, because their friends dare not tell them-ah, and so leave them to make sport for the Philistines-ah ! Inflate your lungs. It is easier to run a mill with a full pond than an empty one. Be moderate at first. Hoist the gate a little. When you are half through, raise a little more; when nearly done, put on a full bead of water. Aim at tbe mark. Hit it. Stop and see where tbe sbot struck, and then fire another broadside. Pack your sermons. Make your words like bullets. A board hurts a man worse if it strikes him edgewise.-The Outlook .

ltloung :{IJ)en ano 1891.

1891 WIJ,L bring some young men to the front in Christian work. Will it be you or the other man? 1891 will sink some young men to the bottom for lack of grace and grit. Will it be you or the other man 1 1891 will bury some young men in Christless shrouds and hopeless graves. Will it be you or the other man 1 1891 will bring some young men to the city of God. Will it be you or the other man 1 1891 will bring some young men to follow Christ. Will it be you or the other man 1 1891 will bring some young men to reject the Son of God. Will it be you or the other man 1 1891 will put some young men behind prison bars. Will it bp-you or the other man 1 1891 will see some young men drink their last glass. Will it be you or the other man 1 1891 will hear the last oath from some young men. Will it be you or the other man 1 1891 will see some young men unite with the Church. Will it be you or the other man 1 1891 will see some young men better and some worse. Which will be for you and which for the other man 1-Selected.

\tell tbe \trutb.

THEREare too many persons who sometimes find it convenient to' lie a little.' The following incident in the life of General Grant is a severe rebuke to such persons. An important conference was being held in the executive mansion in Washington. A caller had sent in his card, but either the caller was unwelcome or the time was quite unsuitable for his admission. One of the persons present turned to the servant and said: 'Tell the person who sent up the card that the President is not in.' 'No,' said General Grant, 'tell him no such thing.' Then, turning to his friends, the General remarked: , I don't lie myself, and I don't want my servants to lie for me.' That was noble. If our boys want to copy the example of great men, let them pick out such things as this and follow them. Great men, as well as others, make mistakes. The mistakes they make are not any better or nearer right because they were made by great and leading men. We are not excusable for following great men into wrong-doing. We should copy their examples only when they do right. The example of Gen. Grant in reference to telling the truth is worthy of copying. His words, with a little change, are worthy of being used as a. motto: 'I do not lie for myself and I don't want anyone else to lie for me.'-Messenger.

By the street of By-and-by we come to the house of SILENCE as to a man and his deeds will do more to exNever. tinguish him than columns of abuse.

14

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

JANUARY,

1891.

B cbnermae 1bl?mn.
SOUNDover all waters, reach out from all lands, The chorus of voices, the clasping of hands; Sing hymns that were sung by the stars of the morn, Sing songs of the angels when Jesus was born ! With glad jubilations Bring hope to the nations! The dark night is ending and dawn has begun: Rise, Hope of the ages, arise like the sun, All speech flow to music, all hearts beat as one. Sing the bridal of nations! with chorals of love, Sing out the war-vulture and sing in the dove, Till the hearts of the people keep time in accord, And the, voice of the world is the voice of the Lord! Clasp hands of the nations In strong 'gratulations ! The dark night is ending and dawn has begun: Rise, Hope of the ages, arise like the sun, All speech flow to music, all hearts beat as one! Blow, bugles of battle, the marches of peace; East, west, north, and south, let the long quarrel cease; Sing the song of great joy that the angels began, Sing of glory to Goeland of good-will to man! Hark! joining in chorus The heavens bend o'er us ! The dark night is ending the dawn has begun: Rise, Hope of the ages, arise like the sun, All speech flow to music, all hearts beat as one. JOHN GREEN LEAF WHITTIER.

have decided to set apart a portion of the

Standard each month for Bible Questions, to be solved by the young people of our homes and Sunday Schools. We hope this new feature in our paper will be appreciated by

the children, and that every care will be taken by them to find the answers. Competitors must be under eighteen years of age. It will be understood that the answers sent are the entire work of the children. HINTS TO COMPETITORS. N umber the answers. State, if possible, where you found the answer (book, chapter, and verse). Write in ink, and leave a small space between every answer. See that your note contains YOUt' name and address, and that it reaches me not later than the 18th cif the month. If you cannot answer all the questions, send all you can. Next month we shall publish the names of the boys and girls who have been successful in answering any. For the very able series of questions on the life and labours of the Great Apostle of the Gentiles, which we purpose printing month by month, we are indebted to Mr J. Mill, of Edinburgh. We trust that efforts will be made to answer these questions from a desire to become better acquainted with the Scriptures. We hope, however, to be able to suitably reward those who give the highest percentage of answers. THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES. FIRST SET. 'Where is Saui first mentioned? 'Where is Paul first mentioned? What is the meaning of the name Saul ? What is the meaning of the name Paul? 'Where was Paul born ? Of what parentage? To what tribe did he belong? Name another famous man who belonged to the same tribe. What trade did Paul learn ? Find four passages which say that he wrought with his after he became a preacher. Had he any brothers or sisters?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. la. hands 11.

To encourage the young readers of the Bible Standard to search the Scriptures diligently, it is intended to offer, from month to month, puzzles, etc., on Biblical subjects; correct solutions of which are invited. The first series will extend over a period of three months. Any competitor giving the highest number of correct answers will receive a prize; a second prize will also be given. Competitors not to be over eighteen years of age. Herein we give the first of the series. Write down words which occur only once in each of the following verses, and from them form one of the most important passages contained in the whole Bible :Prov. xv. 15, xxvii. 23, x. 22; Rom. vi. 3; Job xv. 22 ; Ps. xviii. 3, xl. 13; 2 Thess. ii. 12; Prov. xxviii. 18; Exod. xxxii. 32; Prov. xxviii. 13, xv. 10, i. 33, xxii, 8, xxix. 1, xiv. 15, x. 10. In this case we have used the Authorised Version. In each case we shall state the version we use. Communications relating to this section must be addressed Mr. Falkner, Karangahape Road, Auckland, or care of the Editor, who will be glad to receive contributions in the form of puzzles, acrostics, charades, etc., on Scripture subjects. In all cases solutions must accompany the puzzles.

The King's Own evident.ly thinks the prospect in England is alarming indeed. In an article on 'Our Religious Press' it says: 'The Christian Wo?'ld having cast overboard the inspired narrative of the Fall, and cut itself loose from the old Biblical moorings, has drifted into the doctrine of the evolution of man from the monkey, the ape, the tadpole! It casts Moses down from his pedestal to elevate Darwin to the vacant place. "Modern thought demands the right to supplement, correct, and, in a sense, to supervise the Bible," says the Christian World; and it is doing this with painful pertinacity, and the most calamitous results.'

JANUARY,

1891.

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

15

current 1Aews ano 1Aotes.

TEN YEARS is said to be the life limit of a religious paper, but the has overpassed that stage, and is commencing its eleventh year. We hope that its readers will resolve, that so far as their aid is concerned, it shall be a living paper. Support from subscribers will supply vigour at the source. General Booth's scheme for the amelioration of the 'submerged tenth' of the population is threefold-(l) A city colony, where the workless wight would get supper, breakfast, and bed for fourpence, or fourpeunyworth of work; (2) a farm colony, to which a limited number of picked workers would be sent down; (3) and a colony over 'sea for those who have passed the probation of the farm colony. If General Booth succeeds in making those who come under hisinfluence Salvationists, his scheme will succeed; otherwise, it is to be feared that the residuum will prefer the idle, unfettered life they lead to the hard work, temperance, and prayer meetings of the Army. It is said that Mr. Stead, of the Review of Reviews, co-operated in the literary part of Mr. Booth's book, 'In Darkest England,' . but the plans are those of the Booth family. Recently Mr. Stead took General Booth to see Lord Wolseley. The two Generals met and had a particularly friendly conference, the result of which was that the host was much pleased with his guest, and expressed his opinion in extremely complimentary language. ' If you had been a soldier,' said he to the commander of the Salvation Army, , you would have been the greatest general of the century.' Catherine Booth has fallen asleep. In her the 'Army' has lost an earnest worker, a saintly spirit, and a bright example. One womise made by the deceased lady shows a sad ignorance of Scripture teaching on death, and may prove a source of evil to the Army. We transcribe it from the General's address. ' She promised me again and again that she would come to me if she were allowed, and what she could do to further the dearest purposes of my soul for the helping of the world should be done. I am sure she will fulfil her pledges. She never failed me on earth. She will not fail me, as she has opportunities, in the skies.' Here is a field for operations, and the' seducing spirits' are not likely to neglect the opening thus afforded for their evil work. For the service at the funeral the following inconsistency appeared-common to traditional theology: 'As it has pleased Almighty God to promote our dear mother from her place in the Salvation Army to the mansion prepared for her above, we now commit her body to, this grave-earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust - in the sure> and certain hope of seeing her again on the resurrection morning.' Thus the claim is made, that death is her promotion to the 'mansion prepared for her above.' And yet they close with the Scripture hope of 'seeing her again on the resurrection morning.' Thus does a false view of man's nature blind the eyes of believers to the truth concerning death. Her life may have been a noble one, but she now sleeps in death until the resurrection. Three locomotives were sent trom Philadelphia to Jaffa, and arrived there October 21. They are for the new railroad from Jaffa to Jerusalem, and are the first locomotives ever used in that ancient land. TheRussian Czar's anti-Jewish law is being enforced. All the Jews in Kisheneff were ordered to leave the place, and at Akerman, near Odessa, the order was-to leave within three days. The Christian. Herald, of London, speaking of the Russian Government expelling all Jews from the country, has the following to say as to the disposition that will be made of the exiles:, That this will cause a sudden influx of 5,000,000 Russian Jews into countries adjacent to Russia, and says that already, in prospect of this, a Chovevi Zion Association for the Colonization of Palestine has been formed. A number of individuals have combined to effect a wholesale settlement of Jews upon the soil of their fathers, and are canvassing far and wide in this cause of humanity and brotherly love. The stability and practical nature of the Association IS evinced by the fact that after an existence of less than five months it possesses over 700 members and contains upon the list such names as Montefiore, Guedalla, and Goldsmid. The society is not a stock and shale company; its members do not expect any dividends or bonuses. The only reward they will obtain, and with which they will be content, is the proud consciousness that they are trying to deliver their brethren from the curse of a misdirected and barbarous policy, and are striving for the restoration of the lost glory of Israel. Russia's policy is to get rid of the bee while retaining its honey. She wishes to induce her Jewish subjects to fly from het territory while they will be unable to sell any immovable property, unless to the Russians under great sacrifice, and they are forbidden to export silver or gold.'
Bible Standard

AUCKLAND.-During the month four have been received into fellowship, and we are expecting others. "Ve returned to the Foresters' Hall for our Sunday evening meetings on December 7th. This was quite a gala day. In the afternoon a children's flower service was held. The hall was beautifully decorated. Willing hands had been at work preparing the festoons and wreaths, which were displayed on the walls. In the afternoon the greatest difficnlty was how to find room for the many beautiful bouquets which were brought. Appropriate hymns were sung by the children, and an address was given upon 'The Language of Flowers.' The hall was crowded in every part. In the evening the place was again full, and an address was delivered, the theme being' Jesus Christ and Him crucified.' On Boxing Day, if the weather is favourable, the annual school picnic will be held at Lake Takapuna, On Monday, December 22, a sale of work was held in aid of the Church Building Fund. The evening vas devoted to conversation and music, and was very pleasantly passed. By steady, persistent effort the sisters of the church are increasing the fund, which they hope some day, if the Lord tarries, will be sufficiently large to warrant us in procuring a building suited to our requirements. THAMEs.-Our congregations have been steadily increasing of late, and finances have improved. 'Ve had a baptism lately, and are expecting another very soon. There are many inquirers as to our doctrinal tenets, and a series of addresses is now being delivered on fundamental truths. The hall has been re-painted and papered, and the outlay has been met. We are cheerful and hopeful for the future, longing to see an increase to the numbers of those who already' love the Lord.' TIMARu.-The Baptist church here, with C. C. Brown at their head, have not spent much time in bemoaning the loss of their building recently distroyed by fire. In our last we noted that they had resolved to build again, and had purchased a section in a better position. Now we learn that they have purchased the Congregational Church, a fine building, and well suited to their requirements. The sum is a heavy one, and assistance to meet the cost will no doubt be gratefully acknowledged by Mr. Brown and the officersof the church. DUNEDIN_-Our record for the past month, under the blessing of our heavenly Father, is one of progress, although all has not been accomplished that we desired. Yet we can truly say that the mission of Bro, Carr is effecting much good, and his influence is growing weekly. The preaching services continue to be well attended, and a good interest prevails, and several almost persuaded. And we do pray for these that they and other listeners may speedily yield themselves up to the gracious invitations of Him whose promises of blessings abound, and who desires all should come unto Him and live. We have great delight in reporting the submission of two young men to the authority and rule of the Lord by baptism; one well-known to the brethren in Auckland, who will feel much fortified thereat-we refer to Bro, L. Sanderson-the other by name E. Simcock. Both these exhibit much earnestness, and are fully conscious of the importance of the step taken. We consecrate them to our Lord's service, and earnestly pray they may be able to do the same on their part. There is much intelligence, heart, and energy in both, and we may add faith too, 'without which it is impossible to please God.' The Standard has arrived, and we note the new code and other interesting matter. _We consider association matters next Sunday (D.V.)

16
OF THE

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

JANUARY.

1891.

(3)N~lFIlFUlFI)N lIND ~UliE~

\rbe )Bible $tan~ar~.

The BIBLE STANDARD be ordered direct from the Publisher can J. M. FRENCH,Sussex Street, Surrey Hills, Auckland, or obtained from any of the Agents. PRICEper annum, post free... ... ... ... 2s. 6d. beyond New Zealand, per annum, post free 3s. Od.

"lRewZealano lB~angeIistic ano ~ubIica"" tton Bssociation.

INSTITUTED 1882.-RE-ORGANISED 1890. OBJECT. THE object of this Association shall be to disseminate Biblical truths, especially the doctrine of life and immortality through Christ alone, the literal resurrection of the dead, the final destruction of the wicked, the second coming of Christ and His personal reign upon the earth. This basis of association to remain unchangeable. MEMBERSHIP. The Association shall consist of (a) churches subscribing to the above and contributing towards the funds of the Association an annual collection, date of same to be fixed by the Association; (b) of subscribers paying five shillings and upwards annually to the funds of the Association. . EXECUTIVE. The officers of the Association shall consist of a president, vicepresident, secretary, editor, publisher, and book steward. The executive shall consist of the above officers and a committee of.three, all to be elected annually. Churches subscribing to the Association shall, for the purpose of aiding the general executive, form an auxiliary, consisting of members and subscribers to the Association resident in the locality. Officers to be elected by such, and regular meetings held. MEETINGS. The general executive shall meet on the last Friday in the months of March, June, September, and December. The president and secretary, acting jointly, shall have power to call special general meetings whenever required. A conference of subscribers, and delegates from affiliated churches, shall be held annually to elect officers and general executive, and to transact any business that may be brought before the meeting. REPRESENTATION. Affiliated churches shall send delegates to the annual meeting. Representation to be on the basis of one delegate to every twenty members or fraction. FUNCTIONS. The general executive shall be responsible for the publication of the periodical organ of the Association, the Bible Standard, together with such other literature as it may' deem suitable, engaging and appointing lecturers and agents, and arranging for meetings and assisting churches within the Association as funds peTrmhit. '1' . t 0 b e th e responsiibl e execu t" m th eir respective . . e auxi lanes ive districts, to assist the general executive in securing information, subscribers, and donors, and in circulating its organ and literature, in organising lectures or services, and in generally promoting the work of the Association. GENERAL. Each subscriber to the Association shall be entitled to receive one copy per month post free of the Association organ, the Bible Standard. Three months' notice of any alterations or additions to existing rules shall be given to the general executive, and inserted in the Bible Standard for information, and shall come up for decision at the annual conference. The Secretary will be pleased to hear as early as possible from intending subscribers, and from churches willing to form auxiliaries. Remittances may be sent in postal notes to W. RAJ' TRAY, Victoria Avenue, Off Eden Terrace, Auckland. If you desire to help in the work of spreading the truths advocated by this Association. please forward your name and address with subscription, to the Sec1etary.

AGENTS FOR THE BIBLE STANDARD

NEW ZEALAND.

Auckland-Mr. C. Mackay, Bookseller, Grey-street. " Mr. C. Mackay, Bookseller, Karangahape Road. Ashburton-Mr. H. G. Ftower. Dunedin-Mr. James Neil, George-street. Hamilton-Mr. Geo. Pearson. Helensville-Mr. M. Cameron, Saddler. Holeo North-Mr. John Wilson. Kamo-Mr. J. Heape. Kaia poi-s-Mr, James Holland. Timaru-Mr. J. Rowbotham, Cash Store, Church Street Thames-Mr. E. H. Taylor. " Mr. Nodder, Bookseller. Wellington-Mr. J. M. Miller, Dixon Street, Waimate-s-Mr. D. R. Buckingham.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA. WALES.

Stepney-Mr.

C. Gamble, Magil Road.

NEW SOUTH

Sydney-Mr. W. R. Carr, Coachhuilder, Rowe-streer, Waverley

VICTORIA.

MelbourneCommunicationsto the Editor to be addressed:-GEO. ALDRIDGE, Kyber Pass, Auckland. All Communications to the Association to be addressed to the Secretary, WM. RATTRAY, Victoria Avenue, off Eden Terrace, Auckland.

CHURCH

OF

CHRIST

Hold servicesas under :AUCKLAND-Foresters'Hall, Karangahape Road. Sunday, at II o'clock a.m., Fellowship Meeting. 6.45 p.m., Lecture on some important Bible Theme. Sunday School at 3Wednesday evening, Bible Class at 7.30. Evangelist's address-s-Geo.Aldridge, Kyber Pass. GISBORNE-Whinray's Hall, Gladstone Road, everySunday alter noon, at 2.30 p.m., for Biblical exposition. DUNEDIN-Oddfellows' Hall, Stuart-street. Sunday, at II a.m., Fellowship Meeting. Lecture at 6.45. Sunday School at 2.45. Bible Class every Wednesday evening at 7.30 ThAMES- Pollen Street Lecture Hall. Sunday, at II a.rn., Fellowship Meeting. Evening Service at 6.30_ Sunday School at 2.30. Bible Class every Wednesday evening at 7.30. Evangelist's Address-E. H. Taylor, Thames. MELBOURNE-EasternArcade, Collings-street. Sunday, at 4 p.m., Fellowship Meeting. Lecture at 7 p.m_ Bible Class every Friday Evening, at 8. SYDNEY-VVarwick Hall, Station Street, Newtown. Morning meeting at II. Bible Class Wednesday at 7.45. Secretary's address=-W. Warner, 16 Pitt-street, Redfern. ADELAIDE-Eden Hall, Penaluma Place, Grote Street. Sunday, at II a.rn., Fellowship Meeting. 7 p.m., Lecture on some Bible Theme. Tuesday Evening, Bible Class, at 8. Printed by H. BRETT, Evening Star Office, Shortland-street, for the New Zealand Evangelistic and Publication Association, and published by J. M. FRENCH, Sussex Street, Surrey Hills, Auckland. JANUARY,1891.