trees that grew there in our Lord's time.-Scientific Gossip.

ASSYRIAN DISCOVERY. A MOST Curious fact in natural history has recently been brought to light by the decipherment of Assyrian inscriptions. The history of the artificial migration of plants-a very interesting and intricate subject -has been carried back to a period of great antiquity. Kuthami, a Mendaite writer in the fourth century A.D., tells us that the kings of Assyria were accustomed to bring back with them from their campaigns in foreign countries any plant which they thought would be valuable and useful; that this way, for instance, the cherry was transplanted from the banks of the Jordan to the gardens of Nineveh and Babylon. These statements are strikingly confirmed by an inscription of Tiglath-Pileser I., an Assyrian monarch, who carried Jewish captives to Babylon B.c. 1110. The king therein says:-"The pine tree, the likkarina tree, and the algum tree, these trees, which none of the former kings, my fathers, had planted, I took from the countries which I subdued, and I planted them in the groves of my own country, and I called (the plantations) by the name of groves; whatever was not in my own country I took and placed in the groves of Assyria." The

translation" algum tree" is not quite certain. If the identification can be maintained, it will be proof of the occupation of the Malabar coast by the Aryans as early as the twelfth century B.C. This will not be the only case in which ethnology has received important aid from the botanical department of natural history. The northern home of our Aryan ancestors is borne evidence to by the fact that the "birch"-the denizen of a cold climate-is the only tree having the same name both in Eastern and Western Aryan, i.e., both in Sanskrit and in the various languages of Europe. So, again, we learn from the fact that "flax" is known by different names in Eastern and Western Aryan, that the separation of the forefathers of the Hindus and

of the Greeks and Romans took place before either had exchanged an agricultural for a pastoral life. We have reason to hope that the present researches into the early records of mankind may throw some light upon the primitive history and cultivation of the cereals.--Science Gossip.

WE SHOULD SPEAK MORE
OF JESUS.

I FEAR the best of us do not speak of Jesus so much or so frequently as we ought. We do not speak of Jesus before our children in a manner that we ought. We so speak to them of our parents and other relatives as to interest them, excite desires in them, and so often as to draw out their love; but do we speak of Jesus? Is there not utterly a fault among us on this subject ? What is so interesting as the Gospel narratives? What so calculated to affect the minds of the young as a tender, touching, heartfelt representation of what the Lord Jesus did and suffered to save sinners ? We have often been surprised, sometimes, to find how little the children of professed Christians know of the Lord Jesus. It is not enough to say, "I give them the Bible, and put religious books into their hands." They should hear of Jesus in a father's manly tone, and they should hear of Jesus in the tender accents of the mother's tongue. They should hear their parents converse of him as of the most interesting and profitable subject. They hear us speak of ministers, and of church members, and perhaps, on these points, they hear what they ought not. They hear us talk of books, and the occurrences of every day; but if they do not hear us talk of Jesus, the more important subject is omitted.Ren. J. Smith.

THE CHURCH IS SO COLD.

BY REV. C. A. STODDARD.

"THE church is so cold and unsocial, that I do not feel at home or happy in it. Where I used to be, things were very different." This was said by one who had been a year or more in a church, and found no acquaint

ances or friends therein. There was a thriving Sabbath-school in which she was solicited to teach, but she declined, because she did not feel at home with the people yet. There was an interesting Bible-class, but she knew no one in it, and therefore did not join. There were social meetings, but she did not enjoy them, for there only the people that were well acquainted met, and she had no intimate acquaintances. She never sought to make friends, never spoke to the little children, never seemed to be pleasant, and never was happy. I hope there are not many persons like this sad and dreary Christian. But if there are any who find a parallel to their case here, it is of importance for them to know that the fault is their own. The church is chilly because their hearts are cold; the people are unsocial because they repel advances by their stiffness or pride, or indifference. They do not find pleasure in Christian company, because they are suspicious, and jealous, and full of misapprehensions and uncharitable opinions, respecting their brethren and sisters in Christ's Church. They are not spiritually warmed, because they will not work for Christ. They sit and shiver in their icy solitude, and say the Christianity of

this place is so cold, while other Christians around them are all on fire with holy love and joy, because they are so full of activity in the Master's work. If any one thinks, then, that his church is cold, that his Christian brethren are unsocial, that there is no interest in religion, let him search his own heart, thaw out the ice that is therein, endeavour to stir up others to love and good works, and note the willing response, and de his part to promote an interest in religion, by showing all how interested he is in it himself.

ON THE WORD "COME.".

COME." I verily believe there's not a sweeter word in the Bible than the word "come." I am sure that when it fell from the lips of Jesus, when the Spirit and the Bride uttered it, when it was echoed by the tongues of apostles and saints, and in all these cases was addressed to the weary and heavy-laden-to those who were athirst with spiritual needs-it was so full of grace and truth that it could not be exceeded in preciousness by any word in human speech. And this word "come" is the key-note of the Gospel: "Come," with whatever thirst you faint, "come and drink; and take the water of life freely."

The Life and Times of the Rev. Samuel Wesley, M.A., Father of the Rev. John and Charles Wesley. By L. TYERMAN. London: Simpkin, Marshall and Co.

THIS book is admirably written. Mr. Tyerman has displayed great diligence in the collection of his materials, and spared no pains to render his statements thoroughly accurate. He has

the advantage of his predecessors by having gained access to some authentic documents they had not seen, and thereby has both corrected their mistakes and furnished additional information. We believe this volume to be, as to facts and their chronology, the most reliable biography of Samuel

Wesley that has yet appeared, and, without doubt, it is the most ably written. Samuel Wesley is here seen to be a man of greater piety and gifts than have been generally ascribed to him, and certainly a man fitted to occupy 3 far more eminent and useful position than the one he held. He was a good man and a loyal subject, faithful and diligent as a pastor, learned and laborious as an author, yet with a spice of the eccentric in his nature, and not always consistent in his opinions and proceedings. Mr. Tyerman honestly states his weak points as well as his excellences, but now and then defends or palliates where we think his charity is rather redundant. Mr. S. Wesley, with

all his high qualities, falls far short of his noble ancestors, who suffered a martyrdom for their consistency, and is not at all to be compared with his illustrious son John in self-denial, simplicity of purpose, benevolence, abounding labours and usefulness. We think Mr. S. Wesley made a grievous mistake in forsaking the Dissenters who had educated him, and this mistake both cramped his usefulness and entangled him through life with personal difficulties and useless controversies. It is remarkable that his ancestors should have been driven from the Established Church by fierce persecution, and that his son should be driven by circumstances to find his sphere of usefulness outside the pale of that Church, and found the most noble denomination of practical Dissenters that ever existed; but that S. Wesley should leave the Dissenters to be shut up in the narrow sphere of an obscure country parish, though his powers fitted him to occupy an eminent place among the leading minds of the age! This biography affords throughout an instructive lesson as to the paramount duty of an inflexible adherence to the high claims of truth, conscience, and principle; and herein thoughtful minds will chiefly find the usefulness of this excellent work.

By taking in the ancestors and contemporaries of Wesley, Mr. Tyerman has greatly enriched his work, introducing some of the most important characters and events which distinguished the history of our country from the reign of Charles I. to the reign of George II.

We have read the volume with much interest, and very cordially recommend it to our readers.

The Complete Works of Thomas Brooks.

Edited by the Rev. ALEXANDER BULLOCK GROSART. Vol. I. Edinburgh: James Nichol. London: Nisbet and Co.

FEW and fragmentary are the records of the life of Brooks, but his memory is precious as a man of sweet temper, of great gravity, wonderful patience, and strong faith; as a minister, experienced, laborious, delighting in his work, and successful in the fruit of his efforts; yet this holy and devoted man was one of the 2,000 ejected from their livings in 1662 by the infamous Act of Uniformity.

The first volume of the writings of this devoted man are before us, com

prising his "Precious Remedies against Satan's Devices," "Apples of Gold for Young Men and Women," "The Mute Christian under the Smarting Rod," "A String of Pearls." We have here a happy combination of extensive learning and deep piety; of racy wit and opulent wisdom; of apt quotation and felicitous illustration; all employed in unfolding and applying the doctrinal, experimental, and practical verities of religion. We rank Brooks with Adams, and scarcely know which to prefer. Perhaps Adams has more wit and Brooks more wisdom; yet each is eminent in both, and we would not like to be without either. We regard them as the best of the series yet issued by Mr. Nichol, and most cordially recommend them both to our readers.. A Treatise on Homiletics: designed to illustrate the True Theory and Practice of Preaching the Gospel. By DANIEL P. KIDDER, D.D. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

THE qualification to preach the Gospel is one which, like all others, admits of various degrees; but the highest is not high enough for the theme and the tremendous responsibilities involved. It ought, therefore, to be cultivated with the greatest diligence, combined with the highest spirituality of mind and the most fervent prayer. Dr. Johnson might well say that he envied not the man who lightly held the duties of the sacred office, because of the responsibilities which no indifference could in the least degree diminish. The highest gifts do not exonerate a man from the duty of diligent study: piety itself cannot be a substitute for this; while, on the other hand, the most careful preparation for the pulpit would avail little without that unction from above which is given in answer to fervent and effectual prayer. Therefore, all these elements must be combined. 'Much study, much temptation, and much prayer," said Luther, "are requisite to qualify a man for the ministry."

Many works on "Homiletics" have been written, but the one before us is the best that we have seen. It is plain without being superficial; analytical without being metaphysical; comprehensive without being tedious; and learned without being pedantic. It is rich in good sense, sound principles, and the maxims of practical wisdom. We earnestly recommend young men,

GG

either preparing for the ministry or actually engaged in the work, to study this admirable book.

An Entire Commentary upon the whole Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians, wherein the text is learnedly and fruitfully opened with a logical analysis, spiritual and holy observations, confutation of Arminianism and Popery, and sound edification for the diligent reader. Preached by Mr. Paul Bayne, some time preacher of God's Word 'at St. Andrew's, Cambridge. Edinburgh: James Nichol. London: James Nisbet and Co. THE reader may gather from the title what he may expect to find in this volume. Those who relish unconditional election and predestination will find a repast, somewhat coarsely dressed, yet delicious to the taste. But those who believe that God is no respecter of persons, but alike merciful and gracious to all men, will have plenty of pepper mixed with their food. "Papists, Arminians, Lutherans, and Anabaptists," are all in turn treated with highly-seasoned condiments. The volume contains, however, many judicious observations of a practical and experimental as well as of an explanatory nature.

Biblical Commentary on the Book of Job. By F. DELITZSCH, D.D. Translated from the German. By the Rev. FRANCIS BOLTON, B.A. Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark.

THIS voluminous and truly excellent commentary has now advanced to the fifth volume, the two before us comprising the books of Samuel and of Job. These are unquestionably among the very best works that have come from German theologians in the present century. Not only are they theologically sound on the great cardinal doctrines of Christianity, but impreg nated thoroughly with an evangelical spirit and a profound deference to the supreme authority of Holy Scripture. The expositions are copious-perhaps too much so-but they are pre-eminently learned and lucid, and fit to stand side by side with the elaborately learned" Gnomon" of the celebrated Bengel. We wish we had more ample space and time to do justice to these admirable volumes. Our readers who possess them will have a treasure. Readings for Mothers' Meetings. By ANN JANE. London: Jackson, Walford, and Hodder.

THIS little volume was originally intro

duced to the public some years since under the title of "The Mother's Monitor," and then obtained a considerable sale. It consists of papers which were written by the late Ann Jane, who for many years conducted "The Mother's Friend." It is now issued in a cheaper form, in the hope that it may command à still larger circulation. It is full of wholesome counsel, admonition, and encouragement to mothers in the discharge of their important duties, and it has our hearty commendation.

Objections to the Methodist Class Meeting Answered. A Book for Hearers and Members. By JOHN BATE. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. JUST as spiritual religion declines, the neglect of class-meeting becomes prevalent. All sorts of excuses are pleaded in justification of this neglect, and, unhappily, these reasons find advocates in some quarters where they ought to be refuted. Mr. Bate has looked into this question in the right spirit, and met the objections fairly, temperately, and conclusively. The work comes seasonably, and it will be made a blessing to the churches.

Speaking to the Life; a Book for all:

Illustrative and Suggestive. By JOHN BATE. London: S. W. Partridge. THE work is plain in style, but full of good sense. Practical and experimental religion are the author's themes, and they are forcibly illustrated and applied by sound argument, faithful appeal, and striking facts. The author aims not at seeming great but at doing good, and this his work is well adapted to accomplish.

The Footsteps of a Prodigal; or, Friendly Advice to Young Men. By WILLIAM G. PASCOE. London: Elliot Stock.

THESE are superior sermons, distinguished by mental force, vivid description, and eloquent appeal; well adapted to arouse the conscience, to warn the audacious, to reclaim the dissolute, and bring the returning penitent to Christ. Indeed, they cannot be read without instruction and profit.

A Sketch of Bramwell, and Nancy
Cutler.

BOTH of these little books are of the right stamp, being well adapted to promote prayer, holiness, and usefulness. They may be had from the Primitive Methodist ministers.

DEATHS OF OUR MINISTERS. In less than twelve months seven of our ministers have been called away to their eternal reward. How solemn and admonitory! In the month of August, 1865, the Rev. Benjamin Haigh, a faithful Canadian missionary, formerly of Mossley, was removed from the scene of his useful labours to the heavenly kingdom; in December, the Rev. John Nicholas, after a protracted affliction, departed in peace; in January, 1866, the Rev. Thomas Seymour finished his course with joy; in the month of May, the venerable C. Atkinson died with the language of prayer, praise, and benediction on his lips; in June, the Rev. George Wood calmly breathed his spirit into the arms of Jesus; about the same time the Rev. Benjamin Murray Scott died in the joyous hope of everlasting life; and now it is our melancholy duty to record that

THE REV. HENRY WATTS

died on the 15th of July at Liverpool. Mr. Watts had been in the ministry forty years. He was naturally endued with superior powers, and his sermons were rich in Evangelical sentiment. Failing health compelled him to retire from the full duties of the ministry in 1862; but he rendered partial service so long as he was able to do so. Some months ago, however, he had a severe affliction, which laid him aside altogether from public duties, and on the 15th of July he expired in peace and in

triumphant hope of eternal blessedness, aged sixty-six. These events loudly call upon us all to be faithful, and to stand ready at any moment for our Master's call.

FUNERAL OF

MR. ALDERMAN BRADLEY. ON Tuesday, June 5, the mortal remains of our late much respected friend, Mr. Alderman Bradley, were interred in the family vault, near the upper chapel,at the General Cemetery, in the presence of a vast concourse of spectators, including many personal friends. As most of our readers are aware, the deceased gentleman was associated with the Methodist New Connexion body, and worshipped at their chapel, in Parliament Street. Owing to the limited accommodation afforded by the Cemetery chapel, and in accordance with a general desire expressed by the congregation to take part in the funeral ceremony, it was arranged that the service should be held in Parliament Street Chapel. hearse, containing the coffin, followed by five mourning coaches, left the residence of the deceased, near the Park, shortly after eleven o'clock, arriving at the chapel at a quarter to twelve. As the mournful procession entered the building the "Dead March in Saul" was played upon the organ. The coffin was placed on a stand fronting the communion rail, and the seats contiguous were set apart for the family and

The