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character and life, then all other ministries will be more efficient; the truth from our lips will gain additional strength; our spirit and our speech will work together to form a music more potent to charm and persuade, and in our degree we shall be like our Lord, "mighty in deed and word." Let me say again-for my conviction is so strong that in order to a more victorious course, for working a greater "deliverance" in our land, the church must become more human as well as more devout in the manifestations of her piety. From an Address at the Baptist Union, by J. T. Brown.

The Sunday School.

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INTERNATIONAL LESSONS.-NOTES. Nov. 11.-PAUL BEFORE AGRIPPA.-Acts xxv. 23; Acts xxvi. 18. "Agrippa," 23. Son of Herod Agrippa. (Ch. xii. 9 and 21.) "Bernice." Eldest daughter of Agrippa I. and wife of her Uncle Herod, King of Chalcis, yet living in sin with her brother. "Chief Captains." Gr. Chiliarchs, commanders of a thousand men, a great court display. "Festus commandment." He no doubt presided at this examination. "Dealt with me," 24. Urged me. "No certain thing," 26. No definite charge according to the Roman law. "Before thee." Agrippa was a Jew, and better able to understand their disputations. (Ch. xxvi. 1.) "For himself." Reminding us that we must do the same before a greater than Agrippa. Happy," 2. Fortunate, because Agrippa was acquainted with the opinions and customs of the nation. "Manner of life," 4. Paul was no stranger to them, but had been educated in their midst. (Ch. xxii. 3; also vii. 58.) "Would testify." Witnesses do not always volunteer the necessary evidence. "Straitest Sect," 5. The strictest; the school of Hillel regarding the law and tradition as of equal authority. Promise," 6. Of the Messiah, with all the blessings which its fulfilment involves. "Instantly," 7. Constantly, earnestly, an example worthy of imitation. "Serving God, etc.' In their national observance of the ordinances of the temple. There should be inward consecration corresponding with outward zeal. "That God should raise, etc," 8. God can as easily restore life as give

it.

"Gave my voice," 10. Used his influence to secure their death. (Ch. ix. 1.) "Compelled them, etc." Not God, but the name of Jesus. How thankful should we feel that we live in better days. Picture the stake, the rack, the wheel, etc. "Virtue outraged against the will, we must confess is virtue still." "Strange cities." Went on a persecuting tour. Contrast his preaching tours. "I am Jesus," 15. irresistible proof that he was no imposter. "Whom?" Christ makes His follower's cause His own. (Matt. 25. 40.) "The people," 17. The Jews. "Gentiles." All were to oppose him, but God with one saint gives a triumphant majority.

An

QUESTIONS.-1. Before whom did Paul next defend himself? 2. What was Festus' verdict to Agrippa? 3. To what sect did Paul formerly belong? 4. For what was Paul judged? 5. What is the promise referred to

Observer, Nov. 1, '77.

here? 6. Who authorised Paul to persecute? 7. What befel Paul on his journey to Damascus? 8. How could Paul be persecuting Jesus who was in heaven? 9. What was Paul to do in the future? 10. What was promised to Paul in the work?

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Nov. 18.--ALMOST PERSUADED.-Acts xxvi. 19, 23. Paul had the courage of his convictions, and since proof of the Messiahship of Jesus, whom he had zealously persecuted, had been vouchsafed, for him to know was to act. In the portion of his address now before us, he sets forth his life of obedience to the Divine command. 66 Whereupon," 19. When the path of duty is found, walk in it without delay. "Not disobedient." Did not doubt nor disregard How many there are who doubt not, but still disobey the requirements of the Saviour! "First unto them," 20. Where he was known as a persecutor. Our confession and repentance of wrong-doing should be made known to those who are affected by it. 'Repent." Repentance is an effect of faith, including sorrow for sin and actual amendment of life. A condition of salvation. (Acts ii. 37-38; Acts iii. 19). "Meet." Worthy, corresponding with a renewed mind. "Caught me," 21. Give illustrations of Christ's followers being seized by the authorities. "Help of God," 22. The disciples of Jesus need sustaining and protecting mercies-who can give such instant help as God. Picture dangers on the sea and on the land, when help has arrived just at the critical moment. (Pslm. xlvi. 1.) "Witnessing." Bearing testimony to. "Small and great." The Gospel is of no mere local application. Kings and subjects need to know its saving truth. Note the holy boldness of the Apostle. "None other things." Adhering strictly to revelation. What a transformation would take place if public teachers would do likewise now. Show the importance of this. " 'First," 23. Not as to time (1 Kings xvii. 17-23; John xi. 44), but first in eminence. (1 Cor. xv. 23; Col. i. 18.) "Show light." (Deut. xviii. 15; Luke ii. 32.) "Beside thyself," 24. Ìnsane. Earnest advocacy of the truth is frequently considered the effect of mental derangement. The age needs madness with method in it, like Paul's. "Not mad," 25. courteously (See 1 Sam. xxi. 13), and to reason Sane enough to behave logically. "Soberness." As opposed to the utterances of a mad enthusiast. "King knoweth," 26. Being & Jew, Agrippa would be more interested in these events than Festus. "A corner." That is secretly. There was no underhanded work, no trickery at the commencement of the Christian era. "Thou believest," 27. An assent of the intellect, but the truths affect not the heart. Man must believe with the heart. (Rom. x. 10.) Note the intense earnestness of the preacher's personal application. "Almost," etc., 28. A patient attention to Paul's address, coupled with his previous knowledge of history and prophecy, may have momentarily favourably impressed Agrippa's mind, but a mental review of all the consequences which an espousal of Christianity would involve, leaves him almost." Contrast the thoroughness of Paul as a persecutor and as a Christian with the indecision of the king. Point out the hindrance to a full reception of the Gospel. Some know too much to deny, yet dare not confess. Give illustrations how men saved "almost," are lost. "I would," etc., 29. An earnest desire for the salvation of his hearers,

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Observer Nov. 1, '77.

"Almost and altogether." Taking up the matter where Agrippa left it the Apostle pathetically appeals to him to become a follower of Christ. "Except these bonds." Wishing for them all the pleasures of faith in Christ, without its penalties. In conclusion picture Paul before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa-- the three judges. Note the verdict.

QUESTIONS.-1. How did Paul regard the vision he had seen? 2. Amongst whom did he first labour afterwards? 3. What did he require of them? 4. What is repentance? 5. What must accompany faith and repentance? 6. What did Moses teach which Paul repeated? 7. What did Festus cry out? 8. What was Paul's reply? 9. What did Agrippa say to Paul? What did Paul desire respecting the whole company present?

Family Room.

THE WIDOW AND THE JUDGE.

10.

SOMETIME about the commencement of the year 1871, a train was passing over the North-western railroad, between Oshkosh and Madison. In two of the seats, facing each other, sat three lawyers engaged at cards. Their fourth player had just left the carriage, and they needed another to take his place.

66

Come, Judge, take a hand," they said to a grave magistrate, who sat looking on, but whose face indicated no approval of their play. He shook his head, but this apparent refusal only increased their eagerness to secure him.

"O, yes, yes! We can't get along without you, Judge! Come, only just one game.' They persisted in their urgency, until finally, with a flushed countenance, the Judge slowly rose and took a seat with the players, and the playing went on.

A venerable woman, gray and bent with years, sat and watched the Judge from her seat near the end of the railway carriage. After the game had progressed awhile she arose, as if urged by strong impulse, and stood face to face with the Judge.

"Do you know me?" she said, in a tremulous voice. "No, my good woman" said the Judge, while he and his companions looked at her inquiringly. "When did I ever see you before?"

"You saw me at court in Oshkosh, when my son was tried for-for robbing somebody; and you sentenced him to prison for ten years-and he died there last June."

The tears began to chase each other down the aged woman's face, and the card players seemed to have forgotten their game, as she went on: "He was a good boy, if you did send him to prison, Judge; for he cleared our farm, and when his father died he did all the work. He was a steady boy till he got to card-playing and drinking and then he'd be out all night gambling away money, and he went down and down. Finally he ran away and took with him all the money there was left on the farm. I didn't hear from him for five years, and then he wrote that he had been arrested. I sold my house for money to help him, and went on to Court. There's Squire L (pointing to one of the four players), the

lawyer that argued against him-and you, Judge, sentenced him to ten years in the State-prison."

The old lady shook with emotion, and her voice was choked and broken with grief, as she gasped out:

"O, it does seem to me that if my boy had never learnt to play cards he wouldn't have gone downand he would have been alive now!

The Judge and his companions, and all that stood around, were melted to tears by the power of the old woman's words. There was no more card-playing in that carriage; the players threw their cards away, and some of them it is believed determined to play no more. That desolate, broken-hearted woman had taught them a lesson.

Possibly some one who reads these words may have inquired, "What is the harm of a social game of cards? Respectable people play cards, Judges play cards, fashionable people play cards; what hurt does it do!"

Could they have witnessed that scene, and marked the anguish of that widowed, childless, broken-hearted mother; and could they read the history of hundreds of young men who have been allured to their ruin by these "harmless games of cards," however strong might be their confidence in their own ability to withstand temptation, they would, for the sake of others who are weaker and are in danger, put away these implements of temptation, and say in the language of the apostle, "If meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no more flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."

We have no right to make our liberty a stumbling block to unwary souls. Let us solemnly consider our responsibility, and let the lesson which the Judge received that day, be a lesson to others to beware of placing temptation in the way of those around them, or by their action setting an example which others may follow to their own destruction. Boston.

Intelligence of Churches, etc.

DENMARK.-A letter from Niels Devold, who writes from Stockholm, intimates that A. Holck and himself are about to issue a small periodical, for the defence and promulgation of Primitive Christianity and Biblical Truth, entitled " De Gamile Stier" (that is, "The Old Paths"). A. Holck is the missionary, sent by the American Christian Missionary Society, which is associated with certain of the Churches of Disciples in America. Several have been baptized in Copenhagan, as a result of this mission, and a small church, of perhaps twenty members, has been planted there. Niels Devold writes, "We think it a very good thing to publish a paper, because there is very general enquiry, throughout Scandinavia, after the "Old Paths," and the people are fond of reading. Our prospects are good, though it will require time. Here, in Stockholm, there is a desire for something better. I have been requested by some to preach what we hold and am to-night going to speak upon the question, "What must I do to be saved?"

AUCKLAND (New Zealand). We are progressing steadily; retaining our additions and gradually extending over the country by the labours of our

Observer, Nov. 1, '77.

sitting on a chair, out of which I lifted her, and, in the presence of the audience, immersed her into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Raising her gently from her baptismal grave, I seated her again on the chair, on which she was borne to her bed, where the right hand of greeting was extended to her, mingled with tears of sympathy and joy. Her countenance was placid. Taking it altogether, it was the most beautiful sight that I ever saw, which was expressed by others. But, oh, how solemn to one so feeble, to bow to the authority of the Lord, and, as she was borne by two brethren from the water, she raised her hands and clapped them three timestried, but was too feeble to shout. I have visited her frequently since; instead of receiving injury, she has been gradually recovering from that hour. At this writing she is able to walk without support, is very cheerful, and is doing light work. All her friends bless God for her recovery, and point to her case as evidence that there is nothing to fear in rendering loving obedience to our Lord. The venerable John Wesley mentions the immersion of Sarah Welsh, by him, and says that "she was ill at the time, but that she recovered from that hour." See his "Journal." JESSE HIGBEE,

CARLISLE. - Prospects are generally favourable. There have been about eight additions since the Annual Meeting, of an encouraging sort, full-grown men of sterling character and enquiring minds. The meetings gradually improve; morning and evening on Lord's Day and on Wednesday evening, besides an early Lord's-day morning class, of from twelve to twenty brothers, for mutual instruction in the Word of God.

brethren in the out districts. We have had another visit from E. Lewis with good results. He will, I believe, go to Sydney. Bro. Jennings is now with us. I lately got a copy of the Christian Standard, and we were astounded at its contents. We fear it shows a tendency to revert to class and clerical distinctions in the brotherhood. At any rate, in Auckland, we are determined to resist innovations having for their object the glory of men. I now come to a more pleasing topic showing the power of the gospel. Some two years ago a shipwrecked brother, a sailor named Carl Telenius, a native of Finland came to us. He stayed with us a short time and then left for Samoa, one of the Pacific Islands. From there, on two occasions, he sent £10 to be disbursed-£5 to his mother in Finland, the balance after paying costs to the church, thus showing an example which others would do well to follow. We sent him some books and now give a copy of his letter from Sydney where he now resides.-"Captn. Rattray.-Dear Bro., I received your kind letter by the brethren passing through to England. They told me how the church is progressing in Auckland and that the brethren live in peace, unity, and in love; also your kind sympathy for me when you heard I was ill. I thank our kind heavenly Father who so providentially has led me over the wide ocean to this part of the world, where I have been led into the fold of Jesus and found so many Christian friends. I have always forgotten to mention about the three books which you did kindly send me from the church. I am happy to say I have not forgotten their contents, especially the Gospel Preacher. It is so simple and clear an explanation of the gospel. I did read it through and through again and it did me much good. It enlightened my understanding, my faith. strengthened, and I could see God's plan of salvation much clearer than ever before. Every young disciple of Christ ought to possess it. Although a present to me I made a present of it to my partner in business in Tonga, with my best wishes that the contents of it may lead him to the Saviour. Since my last I have not been very well; I have been confined to my bed; every attack leaves me weaker and in worse condition; I am afraid, or almost sure, I shall be an invalid for the rest of my days. I do not wish to murmur, yet one can't help thinking of it. I live nine miles from Sydney. I am grateful to the Lord that I have means to have every comfort that a man in my position could expect. The Churches of Christ in Sydney and in Newtown, as far as I know, live in peace and love. My Christian love to you all. May the Lord bless all your efforts in the church in Auckland. May many a sinner be brought to the fold of Jesus-into the church to rejoice with joy unspeakable and in a blessed hope, that through the redeeming love of Christ they shall be happy for ever. Yours truly, Carl Telenius."-Does not this illustrate the power of the truth in making men of every tongue and kindred of one speech. E. C. CLIO, INDIANA.-Two months since I immersed a young married lady, daughter of Bro. D. Rynor. She had been confined to her bed for months. Great sympathy was felt by the community for her. She was as helpless as an infant-unable to walk a step. At her request she was taken three-quarters of a mile, on a bed; then carried into the "Jordan," Printed by MOODY BROTHERS, at their offices, No. 12, Cannon Street, Market Hall Ward, Birmingham, and published by DAVID KING, at No. 30, Belgrave Road, Birmingham.-Thursday, November 1, 1877, London Publishers, HALL & Co., 8, AMEN CORNER.

was

SOUTHPORT.-Since our last report one has put on the Lord in baptism. The engagement, as Evangelist, of H. S. Coles being completed, September 15, the friends gathered to a social tea meeting in order to say good-bye, to express their esteem and good-will, and their desire for the blessing of the Lord to follow him in his work in the churches of the south-west. The meeting was well attended, and it was felt by all to be a profitable time. The next morning he left for Bath, where for the present his residence is fixed. J. G. TUNBRIDGE WELLS.-The new chapel at this place was opened October 14th. Addresses in the morning were given by Bren. B. Ellis, of London, and R. Still, of Brighton; in the afternoon J. Pitman discoursed on "The Mission of the Holy Spirit;" and B. Ellis, in the evening, on "Building on the One Founda tion." The meetings were good. Two made the good confession after the tea meeting on Monday night. The full particulars of this interesting event came to hand too late for more than this brief notice this issue.

IMMERSIONS reported since last E. O. went to press: Kentish Town, Sept. 16, 1; Birkenhead, 2; Birmingham, 3.

BIBLE READINGS FOR CHURCHES. Nov.

4.-Isaiah LVII. 11.-Deut. VI.

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18.-Dan. IX.

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Mark XI.

Mark XIL

Mark XIII.

Ecclesiastical Observer

(Formerly the British Harbinger),

A FORTNIGHTLY JOURNAL AND REVIEW;
Devoted to Primitive Ghristianity and Biblical Cruth.

PUBLISHED ON THE FIRST & FIFTEENTH OF EVERY MONTH

NOVEMBER 15th, 1877.

No. 22.-VOL. XXX.

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C. on "Compromise and Free Communion" and R. D. on "Church Congress," stand over for our next.

PAYMENTS RECEIVED to November 8.-W. James--R. Mear-R. Taylor (Sydney)-Dunn and Collin (Melbourne)-A. Young-Thos. Young-G. Dean (Ohio)-P. Stephen J. Hope-J. Casson-J. WoodhouseH. Hamilton-S. Stutterd-J. Barton (Nelson)-J. Grinstead J. Ash (Ontario).

Free Distribution Fund.-W. J. H.

THE SUNBEAM.

THIS little serial will henceforth appear with larger pages. Picture illustrations, of considerable cost, will adorn each number. The price will remain One Halfpenny.

During the past twelve years, the Sunbeam, taking

into view the varied outlay connected with its production and circulation, has been kept up at some amount of

loss. It has been continued because wanted to supply

what cannot be obtained from the more largely-circulated Sunday School Magazines, and it will be continued with that end in view. But though considered (by so many

TER

PRICE 2d.

ERMS.-The Ecclesiastical Observer can be ordered from BOOKSELLERS by giving the name of publishers -Hall and Co., 8, Amen Corner, London, E.C.; or, post free from the EDITOR, on payment of 4s. for the year, 28. for the half-year, or 5s. per annum to America, Australia, or Canada. Postal copies to be prepaid. Postage stamps received for sums not exceeding 58.

ADVERTISEMENTS.-Under Six lines, 2s. 6d. ; One inch, 3s. 6d.; Two inches, 6s.; Quarter page, 11s.; Three or more insertions, one-fourth less.

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expensive, costing, perhaps, more than the rest of the printing; and as already the cost was not fully covered, that increase of outlay could not be incurred. The difficulty is, however, now got over, by a number of kind friends undertaking to share the loss consequent upon the introduction of pictorial illustrations, for some time to come; so that parents and teachers, and children, may have an opportunity to make persevering effort to increase its circulation, and, so soon as possible, to cover the outlay.

Will our friends, then, in the churches and in the schools, at once put forth efforts to enlarge the number required, and let us know the result early in December; remembering that under present circumstances, each purchaser will receive, in regard to cost, much more than the value of the price at which it is sold. All communications to be addressed to the Editor of E. O.

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HE OLD PATHS, an Instructive Present, either

of its friends) greatly needed, it has not had that circu- T for Youth or Mature Age. The vol. for 1877 is

lation which might have reasonably been expected,
considering the number of scholars in the schools to
which it regularly goes. Of the reading it contains
there has been no complaints; on the contrary, fre-
quent commendation. But a pretty general cry has
been 06
the children will have pictures, and will take
anything which has them rather than the Sunbeam
without them." But pictures, of any real worth, are

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THE
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SUNDAY SCHOOL LIBRARIES may add interesting books to their catalogues by obtaining the vols. of the Sunbeam, still on sale, of which there are six. For library purposes, taking the set, they will be supplied at Fourpence each, stitched, or Eightpence bound in cloth. The Old Paths, also, would be valuable for elder scholars, in order to instruction in the way of salvation. Of these there are on sale vols. for seven years. For libraries, in sets, they will be forwarded at Fivepence, stitched, and Ninepence in cloth. This offer will remain open only till the end of the year.

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EDUCATION AT THE SEA SIDE. Lytham, Lancashire. Errol House School. Principal, Mr. GEORGE HAY, Member of the College of Preceptors, holder of Certificates of Honour from Owen's College, and from the Science and Art Department of the Privy Council on Education. Mr. and Mrs. Hay (assisted by a lady of experience) beg to inform their friends that they will be glad to receive Resident Pupils after the next Christmas vacation. Prospectuses on application will be gladly sent.

HYMNS AND BIBLE LESSON SONGS FOR

CHILDREN; containing all the hymns of our former book, with a considerable number of new, selected, and adapted hymns, with special reference to popular tunes now used to undesirable words. The price, in Cloth, to schools is 2d.; single copies, 24d.; purchasers pay carriage. Postage on twelve copies, 44d.

CHRI

HRISTIAN EXPERIENCE; OR, SIN.
CERITY SEEKING HIS WAY TO HEAVEN.
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HE INTERPRETING CONCORDANCE OF

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