Chapter XV: The Wood of Strange Meetings (2)

DR. NORMAN KERR.]

ANOTHER GOOD IDEA.

The latest new effort to popularise temperance amongst women is a scheme prepared by the Durham and Northumberland County Union of the British Women's Temperance Association. It takes the form of a summer school to be opened at Barnard Castle, where ladies may study temperance in its scientific aspects, and receive various aids as to the methods of imparting this knowledge. The forenoons will be given to lectures, the afternoons to recreation, excursions, etc. Full particulars may be obtained from Mrs. Richardson, The Gables, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

BEER IN THE HAY AND HARVEST FIELDS.

This is an age of specialists, and Mr. John Abbey is certainly the specialist of the temperance propaganda in relation to agriculture. The son of a yeoman, he very early turned his attention to the importance of "soberising" our harvest fields. By his writings, his speeches, and the invention of teetotal drinks called Stokos, Hopkos, and Cokos, he has gradually produced a wonderful change in agricultural circles. It is Mr. Abbey's habit to go the round of the agricultural shows in their season, where he pitches his tent, in which he dispenses his drinks, distributes his literature, and discusses "the why and because" of his movement with all and sundry. From the many letters received by him, we are permitted to quote one from a correspondent who farms seven hundred acres:--

"I am glad to tell you that we have done harvest without a drop of beer being given to the men, and they appear to like Stokos better this year than ever. They usually had eight gallons or more a day, and worked well with it, and throughout the excessive heat we had not a man ill. Years ago the men would get beer into the field, and there was a great deal of drunkenness among them, but now I am thankful to say that Stokos has, by virtue of its excellent qualities, practically _driven the beer out of the field_, and work goes on delightfully."

MR. JOHN ABBEY.]

It may be mentioned that this agricultural work is only a detail of Mr. Abbey's life, for he is the Organising Secretary of the Church of England Temperance Society for Norwich Diocese, having previously held a similar appointment far many years in Oxford Diocese.

(_Distributing Temperance Drinks._)]

COMING EVENTS.

On April 13th a concert will be given at Stafford House, under the patronage of H.R.H. the Duchess of York, in aid of the Church of England Temperance Society Juvenile Union. On April 19th the annual meeting of the Guild of Hope will be held at Grosvenor House, the Duke of Westminster in the chair. On May 1st the annual meeting of the National Temperance League will be held in Exeter Hall, the Archbishop of Canterbury presiding. In July there will be two fêtes at the Crystal Palace--one on the 5th by the National Temperance Choral Society, and the other on the 29th, under the direction of the Church of England Temperance Society.

"GIVE THE BOY A CHANCE."

During the past decade the Church of England Temperance Society has developed a wonderful leaning towards practical effort. Its Police Court Mission has been of incalculable service, and has received the hearty recognition of such able magistrates as the late Mr. Montagu Williams, Sir John Bridge, Mr. A. de Rutzen, and others. The Police Court Missionaries have for some time been gravely concerned as to what to do with young boys brought up for their first offences. Last June the Church of England Temperance Society established a Boys' Shelter Home at Gunnersbury. To this institution boys are now remitted instead of to prison. Here they have a chance of learning some useful industry, situations are found for them, and they are thus given a new start in life. The Bishop of London opened the Home, which is managed under the direction of a small sub-committee of the London Diocesan Church of England Temperance Society.

(_Established by the Church of England Temperance Society for first offenders._)]

MR. ROBERT SAWYER.]

AMONG THE RAILWAY MEN.

One of the most interesting, and certainly one of the most useful, temperance organisations, specially catering for a distinct class of workers, is the United Kingdom Railway Temperance Union. It commenced in a very humble way in 1882, and in a sense owes its origin to Mr. S. Cutler, an earnest man employed by the Metropolitan Railway Company, who approached the Church of England Temperance Society to see if something could be done to bring together the different railway men who were in sympathy with temperance work. As the result of a conference, the Union was started, and it has remained in connection with the Church of England Temperance Society ever since. To-day it has branches on nearly every line of railway in the United Kingdom; and every grade of the service, from the influential director down to the humble bookstall lad, is represented in the membership. The railway men were fortunate in securing the interest of Mr. Robert Sawyer, Recorder of Maidenhead, at the commencement of their operations, for besides contributing very largely from his purse, Mr. Sawyer, as President of the Union, practically devotes his life to the interests of railway men. He is literally "in journeyings oft," and has a most able lieutenant in Mr. A. C. Thompson, the first and only Secretary of the Union. The railway men run a little temperance journal of their own, appropriately entitled _On the Line_. One has only to glance through its attractive pages to see that the Union is very much alive. For those who are employed on railways temperance is certainly an excellent thing, and there can be no doubt also that the safety of the travelling public is helped not a little by the hard work of Mr. Sawyer and his cheery comrades.

INTERNATIONAL SERIES]

With Illustrative Anecdotes and References.

=MARCH 19TH.--Christ the Good Shepherd.=

_To read--St. John x. 1-16. Golden Text--Ver. 11._

Last lesson showed Christ as source of _light_--giving sight to the eyes and heart of blind man; to-day's shows Him as "Love," the Good Shepherd, giving His life for His sheep.

I. =Christ the Door of the Fold= (1-10). _Connection_ with healing of blind man.

Pharisees were bad shepherds--he found the true.

They drove him away--Christ the Good Shepherd took him into His fold.

_Explanation_ of the different parts of the parable.

The sheepfold--Christ's Church on earth (ver. 16).

The door--Christ Himself, the only way to God.

The sheep--the people of Christ (Ps. c. 2).

The shepherds--God's ministers, feeding and leading the flock (1 Pet. v. 2) in the right way.

The porter--God's Spirit opening hearts to Christ.

_Illustration_: Christ is as a Good Shepherd. How?

He comes to the sheep in the fold. He calls by name, and goes before to lead them. They recognise voice, trust Him, and follow.

_Contrast_ between Christ and the Pharisees. They are robbers (St. Matt. xxiii. 14, etc.), blind guides, hypocrites, leading men to ruin. Now thirsting to kill Him. Christ is the way of salvation. Thief _takes_ life; shepherds _protect_ life. He _gives_ life, here and hereafter.

_Application._ Whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life.

II. =Christ the Good Shepherd= (11-16). _His name._

Good, _i.e._ beautiful, noble, loving. He is _perfect_ in contrast with imperfect ministers; _true_ as opposed to false; _good_ as giving His life. Mere hirelings desert the flock in danger.

_His work._ Knows each intimately--cares for wants. Dies that they may be saved. Seeks wanderers. Folds all safely in fold at last.

=Lessons.= The privileges of Christ's flock.

1. _Safety_ in the fold of His Church.

2. _Succour_ in time of want and danger.

3. _Sympathy._ They know Him, and He knows them.

=Christ the Door.=

It is said that the ancient city of Troy had but one way of entrance. In whatever direction the traveller went, he would find no way into the city but the one which was legally appointed, and the only one which was used by those who went in and out. There is only one right way to the favour of God, to the family of God, to the presence of God in prayer, and, finally, to the City of God in eternity, and that one way is Christ. "I am the way," He declares, "and no man cometh unto the Father but by Me."

MARCH 26TH.--Review Lesson.

_Golden Text--St. John x. 27._

Christ's divine nature been seen in twelve lessons with the results ensuing therefrom.

I. =True Light= (i. 1-14). Showing Father's eternal glory, power, wisdom. Dwelling as man among men to lighten their souls.

II. =First Disciples= (i. 29-42). Divinity testified by God's voice at His baptism. Faith shown by new disciples who saw Lamb of God.

III. =First Miracle= (ii. 1-11). Divinity shown by almighty power and glory in sympathy.

IV. =First Convert= (iii. 1-17). Christ as Teacher unfolds divine mysteries. He knows for He has seen. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, believes.

V. =First Samaritan= (iv. 5-26). Divinity shown by omniscience. Gives water of life. Samaritan woman and others believe.

VI. =First Child= (iv. 46-54). Christ gives fresh life to sick child. Nobleman believes.

VII. =Christ's Authority= (v. 17-29). Shares Father's counsels. Appointed Judge. All men honour Him.

VIII. =Multitude Fed= (vi. 1-14). He Who made world, supplies His people's wants. As God, He multiplies food; as Man, cares for and sympathises.

IX. =Feast of Tabernacles= (vii. 14, 28-39). Christ as God, gives life, also refreshment (like water) to soul by Holy Ghost. Thus, Three Persons in Godhead share work of man's salvation.

X. =Freeing from Sin= (viii. 13, 31-36). Divine power alone can free from bondage of sin and Satan. This Christ gives. Many believed on Him.

XI. =Healing Blind= (ix. 1-11). Christ's divine light opens eyes and heart. Blind man saved.

XII. =Good Shepherd=. Christ, Himself God, the way to God. Gives life by laying down His life. One fold, one flock, one Shepherd.

=Lessons=. 1. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.

2. No man cometh to the Father but by Me.

3. Lord, I believe, help Thou my unbelief.

Christ, Lord of All.

During the last moments of a godly woman, speech had left her;
but she managed to articulate the word "Bring." Her friends, in
ignorance of her meaning, offered her food, but she shook her
head, and again repeated the word "Bring." Thinking she desired
to see some absent friends, they brought them to her; but again
she shook her head; and then, by a great effort, she succeeded
in completing the sentence--

"Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all"--

and then passed away to be with Jesus.

APRIL 2ND.--Raising of Lazarus.

_To read--St. John xi. 32-45. Golden Text--Ver. 25._

Gospel began with miracle at joyful family gathering. To-day's lesson tells of sad gathering of family and friends at a funeral. He would again show divine power.

I. =Death Triumphant= (32-37). _Scene of sorrow_ at Bethany, two miles from Jerusalem. Little family, Lazarus and two sisters. Had received Christ before (St. Luke x. 38). Now the breadwinner has been taken ill and dies. Sickness, death, bereavement, all causes of sorrow and sadness. Had sent for Christ, but He had delayed to come (ver. 6). At last He arrives, but body had been buried. Martha meets Him first (ver. 21), then Mary. Both utter same reproach--had He been in time, their brother need not have died. Their faith weak. Thought of Him as Good Physician--did not fully realise His almighty power. How did this affect Christ? He was troubled, He sighed, He wept. His best friends not yet learned Who He was and what His power. To them sorrow, suffering, death, seemed to have triumphed. Was it so?

II. =Death Vanquished= (38-44). _Scene of joy._ A Conqueror of death is there. See actions of the different people. _Christ_ commands removal of stone. _Martha_ remonstrates--the body begun to corrupt--four days dead (no coffin, only wrapped in linen). Showed unbelief, after Christ's words (ver. 23). _Mary_ watches in silence, trusting in Christ to do right. _Jews_, expectant, roll away the stone as bidden. Then Christ speaks; thanks God for hearing His prayer; cries aloud to Lazarus. The dead man comes forth, is released from grave-clothes, and restored to his home. Death is swallowed up in victory.

_Result._ Many of the Jews believed. God's glory is manifested.

=Lessons.= 1. _Christ a loving Friend._ Can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

2. _Christ a living Saviour._ Taught Martha, comforted Mary, restored Lazarus. Gives eternal life.

Faithful unto Death

In the excavations made at the buried city of Pompeii, the
remains of a Roman soldier were found at one of the gates.
Embedded in the once molten lava which swept down upon the
doomed city was found the skeleton of the soldier whose post
of duty was at the gate, still grasping a sword in its bony
fingers. When the panic came upon the city, and those who could
made good their escape, he had remained faithful to his sense
of duty, and with resolute courage faced a fearful death. The
Christian soldier can face death with equal courage, for he has
obtained victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ his
Lord.

APRIL 9TH.--The Anointing in Bethany.

_To read--St. John xii. 1-11. Golden Text--St. Mark xiv. 8._

Christ again at Bethany, preparing for His sufferings and death. Chief priests and Pharisees took counsel to kill Him (xi. 53). His friends gather in numbers to give Him a public welcome.

I. =Christ's Friends= (1-3, 7-9). _The feast._ Took place at Bethany, at house of Simon, once a leper. The family of Bethany all present--showed their regard for Christ in different ways. _Lazarus_, honoured guest, at the table with Him. _Martha_ giving of her skill in house-keeping (St. Luke x. 38). _Mary_ giving a costly present.

_The anointing._ Mary comes behind Christ--having fetched an alabaster box full of precious ointment--breaks the box, pours it on His head (St. Mark xiv. 3) and His feet (ver. 3), wiping them with her hair. The house is filled with sweet smell. Why did she do this? _It was an act of love._ Christ had done much for them--stayed with them, above all restored their brother to life. Another reason: Christ had lately spoken of His death as soon coming. This thought quickened her love to intensity. She must give it outward expression. She had kept it for His burial (ver. 7), but gives it now. _It was an act of self-denial._ Did not stay to count the cost, to think how little she need give. Gave the best gift she had. Would keep back nothing from Him. _The act was approved and accepted._ She did what she could.

=Lessons.= 1. Christ's death draws men's hearts (xii. 32). Therefore send the Gospel to all.

2. True love delights in self-denial. Deny self, take up cross and follow Christ.

3. Offerings accepted by God. Alms as well as prayers come before Him (Acts x. 4).

II. =Christ's Enemies= (4-6, 10, 11). _Judas_ grudges the gift--calls it waste--professes zeal for the poor. What was his real motive? Covetousness. Had been made treasurer of monies given to and spent by Christ and apostles. Hoped to get something out of it for himself. Was it waste? Gifts given to Christ cannot be wasted. Others will take note and copy. This loving gift has led multitudes to do what they can. Missionaries to give up lives for Christ, many to give money, work, service, etc. Even cup of water only given for His sake rewarded.

_Chief priests._ Consult out of envy to kill Lazarus. His rising led many to believe in Christ. Their power became less.

=Lesson.= Take heed, and beware of covetousness.

Which are we: friends or foes of Christ?

Give the Best you have to God.

It matters not how poor the offering, if given in the right
spirit. A legend tells how once a little boy in church had no
money to place among the offerings. So he gave a rosy apple, the
only gift he had it in his power to offer. Presently, when the
alms were removed, there was found among them an apple of gold.
The simplest gift is in the sight of God as pure gold.

Notes of Christian Life & Work]

Our New Waifs.

In accordance with the announcement in our December number, we left it entirely to our readers to select the new QUIVER waifs. All the votes have now been received, and arranged, with the result that Rose Heelis heads the list of the candidates for Miss Sharman's Orphan Home, whilst John Harrison is the successful candidate for Dr. Barnardo's Home.

(_The new Quiver Waif at Dr. Barnardo's Home._)]

Our readers will doubtless be interested in the portrait of each to be found on this page, but it is unnecessary to repeat the particulars concerning these little ones which were given at the time we invited the votes. The support of the new waifs will involve a total annual expenditure of £31 (£15 for Rose Heelis and £16 for John Harrison), and for this amount we are relying upon the generosity of our readers. Contributions to the special Waifs' Fund will be gladly received, and duly acknowledged month by month in our pages. Such contributions should be addressed to the Editor of THE QUIVER, La Belle Sauvage, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C. A list of the donations to the fund during the month of January will be found on page 480.

Stooping to Conquer.

A peculiar feature connected with the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company of Boston is that each officer, at the end of his term of command, which lasts a year, returns to the ranks as a private; thus there are something like a score of gentlemen who have had full control of the regiment, and who are now once more content to obey. Here is a lesson for those who serve in the Church Militant. We cannot all be colonels and generals--there must be a few private soldiers!--and it is certain that he who cannot obey is not fit to command. Much energy and temper is wasted by those who fight against sin and sorrow through unwillingness to take what is called a subordinate position. Surely this is to forget the Saviour's words--"If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all."

(_The new Quiver Waif at Miss Sharman's Home._)]

The "Welcome."

Sixteen years ago, the first restaurant for women in the City of London was started at 16, Jewin Street. The "Welcome" was opened in a five-storeyed house in the very midst of factories. It is now the centre of help of every kind for a class brought before the public in Sir Walter Besant's "Children of Gibeon." Hundreds of women frequent this place to refresh their jaded and chilled bodies with soup and bread at three halfpence or excellent meat-puddings at twopence. In cases of distress and starvation free dinner tickets are granted. Who can tell how many women this aid has saved from crime when hunger has driven them to the verge of stealing? The work of the "Welcome" is not limited to care for the bodies of City toilers. Three rooms are used for dinner and tea, three others for evening classes of various kinds. From six to half-past nine clubs, musical drill, sewing and improvement classes, services of song, missionary or Gospel temperance meetings, attract an attendance averaging from 270 to 300. The largest number come on Thursday evening, which is devoted to Bible classes. To many whose days are spent in hot workrooms the shady gardens lent on Saturdays by kind friends are like a new world. One girl asked if she could see the strawberry trees; another, why the bunches of grapes were tied to the top of glass-houses. The revelation of a new world outside their own limited sphere helps to raise the ambition to live a new and higher life.

IN THE "WELCOME" CLUB AT MIDDAY.]

"Nobody's Own."

Many regiments in the British army are called after and said to be owned by this or that prince or princess. There is "The Princess of Wales's Own," "Princess Charlotte's Own," and so on. One regiment, however, rejoices in the nickname of "Nobody's Own," because it is not named after anybody. It is a grand thing to think that no Christian can be called "Nobody's Own," for we are all called after Christ and owned by our Father in heaven.

New Books.

Elsewhere in this number will be found an illustrated article on "Childish Memories of Lewis Carroll," and we venture to think that readers of those reminiscences will require no pressing to turn to the biography of this universally favourite author, just published by Mr. Fisher Unwin under the title "The Life and Letters of Lewis Carroll." Mr. S. D. Collingwood, who is responsible for the work, frankly admits that it is impossible to give a really adequate presentation of the extraordinarily complex character of his late uncle. He has, however, produced a most able and interesting sketch, which includes many characteristic letters, and is profusely illustrated. Quite a different life-story is also before us in the form of the Rev. George Adam Smith's biography of his friend, the late Professor Henry Drummond (Hodder and Stoughton). No one could lay down this book without feeling that Drummond was in every sense a great man--with a great intellect, a great heart, and a constant, burning desire to be about his Father's business. It is true that he made mistakes, that he put forth certain theories not generally acceptable, and which he himself modified in later years, but throughout his life his honesty of purpose was unquestionable. His influence and power as a preacher and teacher were remarkable, and many of those whom he reached through his addresses and books will feel indebted to Dr. Smith for this critical and comprehensive story of his life.--From Messrs. Smith, Elder and Company comes a new story from our own contributor, Katharine Tynan, entitled "The Dear Irish Girl," of which we need say no more than that it is the love story of a most winning Irish lassie, written in the bright, entertaining style so well-known to our readers.--"Helps to Godly Living" (Elliot Stock) is the happy title of an excellent little work which consists of helpful and comforting extracts from the writings and addresses of the present Archbishop of Canterbury, selected and arranged by the Rev. J. H. Burn, B.D.--A pathetic interest attaches to the two dainty volumes of poems by the late Dr. J. R. Macduff, entitled "Matin and Vesper Bells" (Cassell), in that the author did not live to see their completion. Many of the poems have been already published independently in various forms, but we believe that this collected edition of Dr. Macduff's tender and inspiring verse will be heartily welcomed.--We have also to acknowledge the receipt of a tastefully produced volume entitled "The More Excellent Way" (Henry Frowde), in which the Hon. Mrs. Lyttelton Gell has carefully arranged the choicest extracts from the works of ancient and modern authors on "The Life of Love"; a collection of addresses on the Beatitudes by the Rev. J. R. Miller, D.D., entitled "The Master's Blesseds" (Hodder and Stoughton); an interesting and instructive work on medical missionary work amongst the blind in India, entitled "They Shall See His Face" (Bocardo Press, Oxford); "Aids to Belief" (Elliot Stock), a series of studies on the divine origin of Christianity by the Rev. W. H. Langthorne; and a volume of sermons by the late Charles H. Spurgeon, which have been published by Messrs. Passmore and Alabaster under the title "The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit."

A Wolf-Boy.

AS A BOY. THE WOLF-BOY OF SECUNDRA. AS A MAN.]

What was to be done with such a boy! The magistrate sahib of Bulandshahr had heard of Romulus and Remus, but rational people rejected the legend of their infancy. Yet here was a child of five or six years of age, crawling on the ground before him, and the statement of several witnesses that he had been smoked out of a wolf's den could not be disputed. These men were natives of India. Whilst travelling in a jungle of the Bulandshahr district, they saw a queer though undoubted specimen of humanity crawl into a hole. By the magistrate's order a fire was lighted at the mouth. Out sprang a snarling and indignant mother-wolf, which, after scattering the bystanders, fled for life. Behind her ran on all fours a little boy, who was speedily secured and conveyed to the magistrate. He was imbecile. He would eat no food but raw meat, and he tore any clothing placed on him into shreds. The magistrate sent him to the Church Missionary Orphanage at Secundra, a refuge for between four and five hundred children, nearly all infants picked up in the streets or by the roadside. There this child, who was found on Saturday, February 4th, 1867, grew up into manhood. On the same principle that Robinson Crusoe called his man Friday, the wolf-boy was named Sanichar, or Saturday. By degrees a certain amount of intelligence and a decided religious instinct developed. He became gentle and sociable, and ready with cheerful unselfishness to share the many little presents he received with his companions. He attached himself with great affection to one of the caretakers. On the death of this man, Sanichar in dumb sorrow and bewilderment looked from one to another of his friends for an explanation. They pointed to the grave, and then to the sky. The boy was deeply impressed, and ever afterwards, if he felt ill, he would feign sleep, and point first to the ground and then to the sky. He never learnt to speak, but perhaps he was trying to convey the impression that he looked forward to following his dear friend. Two other wolf-boys and one wolf-girl were brought to the Secundra orphanage, but they died soon afterwards. Whether they had been cast out by their parents or kidnapped by the inveterate robber-wolves of the district could not be discovered. They were a witness that tenderness, too often lost in heathenism, may be found in one of the most rapacious beasts. With hundreds of little outcasts under Christian care, they tell of a Father above who remembers even though parents may forget their children.

(_In Lewisham Congregational Church._)]

Memorial to a Medical Missionary.

Medical missions have come into deservedly increasing prominence of late years; and a few months ago a beautiful tablet was erected in Lewisham Congregational Church to the memory of Dr. Lockhart, the first Protestant medical missionary to China, who went out about the year 1838. The tablet is a beautiful piece of work in alabaster and marble, and is carved in the form of a triptych, _i.e._ in three panels, the medallion portrait occupying the centre. On the left hand panel appears the following inscription:--"In affectionate memory of Dr. Lockhart, first medical missionary to China, founder of hospitals at Macao, Shanghai and Pekin, who served the London Missionary Society with untiring zeal for twenty-six years in the mission field, and with unabated devotion in England to the last day of his life. Member of this church for thirty-seven years. Deacon and Church Secretary. Born October 3rd, 1811. Died April 29th, 1896." The following inscription appears on the right hand panel:--"This memorial is erected by those who admired him as a strong man, loved him as a friend, hold his services in grateful memory, and who pray that his zeal for missions and his devotion to the Church may inspire all who shall ever worship within these walls." The tablet is placed on the wall of the church near the vestry door, where Dr. Lockhart used often to stand before the service, watching the people enter.

Self-control.

A man who lately came over from America told the writer that on board the steamer one of the passengers went up to another in the smoking-room and asked him to have a drink with him. The man thus invited continued reading a newspaper and made no reply. The other man again asked him to drink with him. No answer again. A third invitation was then given in these words: "Sir, I have asked you in as friendly a way as possible to drink with me, and each time you went on with your reading, and had not the civility to answer me. Now I ask you for the third time if you will drink wine, whisky, or anything else with me?" The man then put aside his paper and answered very quietly: "Do you see that glass, sir? Well, if I were to take even a quarter of it, I could not leave off until I had drunk all the liquor on board. This is why I would not drink with you." All present admired the man's self-control, and learned a striking lesson on the danger of putting temptation in a brother's way.

An Ever-Recurring Question.

Two friends of the writer were sitting in a close carriage, discussing the problems of life--where we came from and whither we are going. The driver of the carriage went rather too near another vehicle. "Where are you going to?" shouted the driver of the latter. The occupants of the carriage looked at each other and remarked, "That is just what we were wanting to know." So it is that the great problems of life cannot be ignored, for they are reflected in the small incidents of daily existence. Particularly is this the case with the question whence we came and whither we are going. This can never be shelved.

The Circulation of the Bible.

Few people have any idea of the enormous number of Bibles published annually in this country. Mere figures of so many millions mean little to most folks. But it may give some more adequate idea of the vast number to put it as follows: The British and Foreign Bible Society, of Queen Victoria Street, alone publish above a million and a half of Bibles every year, or more than 4,100 every day. Now, if each of these 4,100 Bibles was of the average thickness of one and a half inches, they would, if piled upon one another, reach to a height of 6,159 inches. As the top of St. Paul's cross is about 364 feet or so above the level of St. Paul's Churchyard, this huge pile of Bibles would reach to a height nearly one and a half times as great as the top of the famous cross! Or we might represent the whole lot by one immense Bible, which would be 66 feet by 47 feet by 14 feet, and would reach from the steps leading to St. Paul's right to the top of the pillars there! And this would but represent the output for a single day of only one of the great Bible circulating mediums of this country!

(_Representing one day's output of the British and Foreign Bible Society._)]

_OUR INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE OF PEACE._

We are glad to be able to report that requests for forms are steadily being received, and a goodly number have been returned filled with signatures. To those of our readers who are striving to obtain the distinction of being the first to send in a thousand names (for which a prize of Ten Pounds is offered) we would say that it is not necessary for all the signatures to be given together. They should be forwarded in batches of fifty or a hundred, and credit will be given for every name so sent. The following letter which we have received from a correspondent at Birmingham is of interest, as it emphasises the fact that the Ten Pounds we offer will not only act as an incentive to activities on behalf of peace, but may also at the same time benefit some local charity. "Please send me," the correspondent writes, "some sheets of the International League of Peace. If I am fortunate enough to get the Ten Pounds, I am going to give it to some good society--whichever our clergyman thinks best. Trusting to hear from you by return."

The following is the form in which our memorial has been issued:--

"=We, the undersigned, desire to express our earnest sympathy
with the peace proposals contained in the recent Rescript of his
Imperial Majesty the Czar of Russia, and hereby authorise the
attachment of our names to any international Memorial having for
its object the promotion of Universal Peace upon a Christian
basis.="

This may be copied at the head of blank sheets of paper, and the signatures placed beneath; but we shall be very pleased to send (post free) any number of printed forms on receipt of an application addressed to the Editor of THE QUIVER, La Belle Sauvage, London, E.C.

The objects of our League have already been endorsed, amongst other prominent men, by the =Lord Bishop of London=, the =Rev. Hugh Price Hughes= (President of the Wesleyan Conference), the =Rev. Samuel Vincent= (President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland), and =Pastor Thomas Spurgeon= of the Metropolitan Tabernacle.

THE QUIVER FUNDS.

The following is a list of contributions received from January 1st, 1899, up to and including January 31st, 1899. Subscriptions received after this date will be acknowledged next month:--

For "_The Quiver_" _Waifs' Fund_: R. Hutchinson, Boston Spa, 2s.
6d.; Readers of _The Christian_, per Morgan and Scott, £5; Miss
Renée Benson, Grenoble, 1s. 6d.; J.J.E., Govan (134th donation),
5s.; A Glasgow Mother (104th donation), 1s.; E.A., 2s. 6d.;
R.S., Crouch End, 5s.

For _Dr. Barnardo's Homes_: A Scotch Lassie, 5s.; Baby George,
2s. 6d.; J.R., 5s.; E.H., Devon, 2s.; Gertie, Finsbury Park.
3s.; M.A.C, 5s., An Irish Girl, 10s. 6d.; Madame Scaravaglioné,
10s.; A.K., 5s.; A Warwickshire Lass, 5s.; Anon., 2s. The
following amounts have been sent direct:--R.H.B.P., 4s.; A.H.,
10s; M.M.Q., £5; E.A.H., 7s. 6d.; A.W.O., 4s.; M. M., 5s.;
M.E.B., 15s.; J H.W., 5s.; "Inasmuch," 6s.; T.P., Leamington, £1.

For _The Children's Country Holiday Fund_: Madame Scaravaglioné,
10s.; J. and E.H., £1.

For _Miss Weston's Homes, Portsmouth_: J. and E.H., £1.

For _The Robin Dinners_: Alice Bishop, 3s.

For _St. Mark's Hospital, City Road, E.C._: A Thank-offering, 1s.

The Superintendent of the St. Giles Christian Mission asks us
to acknowledge the receipt of a parcel of clothing from Oakham,
Rutland.

OUR FINE ART PLATES.

Doubtless many of our readers are interested in the announcement which has been appearing for several months past on our wrapper to the effect that certain coupons will entitle the holder to receive a set of Fine Art Plates for a trifling sum. We desire to supplement that announcement by stating that the pictures will be of sacred subjects, and will, moreover, be printed on specially prepared plate paper in order to obtain the best possible results. The selected paintings are by Lord Leighton, Sir John Millais, Edward Armitage, R.A., Ford Madox Brown, W. C. T. Dobson, R.A., and William Dyce, R.A., and the series will form an admirable selection of the best-known works of these famous artists--well worthy of a permanent place in every home.

ROLL OF HONOUR FOR SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORKERS.

The =Special Silver Medal= and =Presentation Bible= offered for the longest known Sunday-school service in the county of =Durham= (for which applications were invited up to January 31st, 1899) have been gained by

MR. JOHN J. BAILEY,
Newgate Street, Barnard Castle,

who has distinguished himself by _fifty-six_ years' service, principally in the Sunday School of the Barnard Castle Parish Church.

As already announced, the next territorial county for which claims are invited for the _Silver_ Medal is

DEVONSHIRE,

and applications, on the special form, must be received on or before February 28th, 1899. We may add that =Kent= is the following county selected, the date-limit for claims in that case being March 30th, 1899. This county, in its turn, will be followed by the territorial county of =Cheshire=, for which the date will be one month later--viz. April 30th, 1899.

The names of members recently enrolled will be found in our advertisement pages.

THE QUIVER BIBLE CLASS.

(BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCRIPTURE LESSONS.)

QUESTIONS.

49. From what parable of our Lord do we gather that the sheepfolds in ancient times were large and surrounded by a high fence?

50. By what illustration does our Lord teach us that it is through Him alone we can be saved? Quote passage.

51. In what way does our Lord contrast His care of His people with the neglect shown by the Jewish teachers?

52. Quote passage which shows that Jesus had never attended any of the public Jewish schools?

53. In what words does our Lord speak of the Scriptures as God's revelation of Himself to man?

54. What were the two miracles performed by our Lord at Cana of Galilee?

55. What was especially remarkable in the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead?

56. What reason did our Lord give for His delay in going to Lazarus when he was ill?

57. What was the effect of the miracle of raising Lazarus?

58. What reason have we for supposing that Simon the Leper was the husband of Martha, the sister of Lazarus?

59. What information does St. John give as to the character of Judas Iscariot?

60. What prophecy concerning our Lord was delivered by Caiaphas, the High Priest?

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON PAGE 383.

37. In a desert (or uninhabited) place near Bethsaida on the north-west side of the Sea of Galilee (St. Luke ix. 10).

38. It was known as the Sea of Chinnereth (Numb. xxxiv. 11; Josh. xii. 3).

39. Because St. Philip was a native of the district of Bethsaida (St. John i. 44, and vi. 5).

10. The Jews thought that Jesus was the son of Joseph the carpenter, and born in Galilee; whereas they had been taught that no one would know of the birthplace or parentage of the Messiah (St. John vii. 27, 41; St. Luke iv. 22).

41. They sent officers to arrest Jesus (St. John vii. 2, 32).

42. Because on the last day of the Feast special sacrifices were offered for all Israel, and the priest, having taken water from the Pool of Siloam, poured it upon the altar (St. John vii. 37).

43. Because they understood that, as the "Light of the World," Jesus claimed to be the Messiah (St. John viii. 12; Isaiah ix. 2, and lx. 1).

44. "When ye have lifted up the Son of Man" (St. John viii. 28).

45. Jesus appears to have made the Jews unable to see Him, and so passed out of the Temple, going through the midst of them (St. John viii. 59; 2 Kings vi. 18).

46. That the disciples believed in the doctrine of "transmigration of souls," which was taught by the Jewish Rabbis at that time (St. John ix. 2; Josephus, "Ant." xviii. ch. 1, sec. 3).

47. By telling him to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam (St. John ix. 7).

48. The Jews excommunicated the man whose sight Jesus had restored--that is, they shut him out of the synagogue--thus depriving him of all religious privileges (St. John ix. 22, 34).

* * * * *

Transcriber's note:

Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have been retained as printed.

Missing page numbers are page numbers that were not shown in the original text.

The illustrations have been moved so that they do not break up paragraphs, thus the page number of the illustration might not match the page number in the List of Illustrations.