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attempted a very difficult object, the bringing the Prayer Book down to the comprehension of children when they are first expected to enter with intelligence into the Services of the Church. And we are disposed to think that she has done this with very considerable success; the language that she uses is remarkably simple, and very wisely she does not attempt to give any rationale of worship, but simply explains the parts of each service as they occur, including the Communion Service. Thus, about three fourths of the volume are occupied with the Collects, Epistles, and Gospels of the different Sundays and Holy Days of the year. Incidentally however, much is introduced which is well calculated to implant right ideas in the minds of children.

Mr. Washington Moon is publishing packets of Leaflets, (Hatchard.) One "for the sorrowing" consists entirely of Texts of Scripture and therefore does not admit of criticism, the other contains twenty-four little poems of his own composition, which are by no means destitute of merit.

A fourth edition of the late Bishop Milman's Meditations on Confirmation, (Masters,) has appeared. There is so much of depth and beauty in them, that we strongly advise any of our readers who are not already acquainted with them, to procure a copy of this new edition.

From the same Publishers we have received A Litany of the Holy Ghost, arranged for Confirmation classes, with two appropriate tunes. The use of it, we believe, would be an excellent preparation for that Holy Rite.

The Rev. G. Body has edited some Helps to Meditation for Beginners, (Masters.) Many, we feel sure, will find them useful in the practice of that difficult exercise.

Mrs. Blakemore's Confirmation, (Hodges,) is interesting as a Tale, but we hardly see that it is rightly placed among “ Manuals for the People."

Another in the same series answers better to the general title. It is called, Three plain Answers to the question, Why are you a member of the Church of England? Certainly it is a point on which every one should be ready to "give

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Persons curious in Antiente Epitaphes, will find the best collection in a volume bearing that name, and recently published by the Rev. T. F. Ravenshaw, (Masters.) The collection ranges from the time of William the Conqueror, to the commencement of the present century. In the Parish Church of Frodsham, Cheshire, Mr. Ravenshaw will find an epitaph which for offensiveness, we think, surpasses any that he puts on record. It recounts the number of times that a certain inhabitant of that place was tapped for dropsy, and the quantity of water that was extracted from him.

We have seldom met with such a complete misnomer as that chosen by the Rev. Sir Emilius Bailey for his treatise on Christian Life and Practice, (Hatchards.) He has actually borrowed Laud's famous maxim of Thorough, whereas it is as shallow and evasive as all the writings of Evangelicals must be, when they speak of Baptism and the Church, and vainly try to make their views square to the formularies of the Church. Moreover he still plods on in the groove of Simeon's "skeletons," only enlivening the dry bones of his

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patron with a few such modern phrases as culture," and "progress." As a specimen of his "thoroughness," in referring to the Prayer Book, he tells us that "the visible Church is defined in the XIXth Article .. as consisting of 'all who profess and call themselves Christians,"" which is not only of course a mis-quotation, but a falsification of fact, because the Article insists both on true doctrine and right order as essential in the Church. This is just an illustration of the shifts to which low churchmen are driven when they are brought face to face with dogmatic statements of any kind.

Each Other, a Tale by H. A. Darlington, (Remington and Co., London,) is a sensible well written story, giving a very good idea of the special trials and temptations of those who dwell by the riverside, and are occupied in various different ways among the barges and steamers which swarm on the Thames at all seasons of the year. There is not much incident in the story, nor any artistic winding up at the close, but it accomplishes well the object which the author seems to have had in view-that of showing how much good may be done by one high-principled steady young man amongst many others of a very different stamp.

Eric and Thora, a story for children, (Mozley and Smith, London,) is a very pretty little tale of the old days when the savage northmen worshipped Thor and Odin, and lived ever amidst rapine and bloodshed; it tells how by the ministry of a little Christian maid many of them were brought to baptism and peace.

Ontomony and Bess, by Mrs. F. W. Fowler, (Hayes, London,) is by no means a successful work, although it is outwardly of very attractive appearance. The singular name Ontomony” is that of a little girl whose mother pronounced her to be one too many, and the best part of the story is the description of this child's death. The style is abrupt, and the whole contents of the book unlike real life. There are various gipsies who talk Italian amongst themselves with a most remarkable disregard of the simplest rules of grammar in that language, a stolen child, and a man who is condemned to five years' penal servitude for the "murder" of a dog, which is certainly a very peculiar specimen of English law; there is however nothing at all objectionable in the little book.

Jemmy's Lie, by Constance Cross, (Masters, London,) is very much above the average even of our many excellent tales for young people. It is exceedingly well written, thoroughly interesting, and displays considerable knowledge of human nature on the part of the author. It illustrates remarkably well the far reaching results of a deviation from truth, and is likely to be a very useful publication.

We commend to the notice of our readers a dainty little work entitled, Lays and Legends of Gloucestershire, by Adin Williams, (Kent and Co., London,) it consists of a variety of picturesque poems founded for the most part on local traditions, many of which have a weird beauty of their own, and are very happily rendered in a simple and flowing style of versification. The book is enriched with charming sketches of some of the scenes referred to, and although

the author in his preface modestly describes his verses as the recreations of a village schoolmaster, they give undoubted evidence of a cultured and devotional mind.

Alfie, the Street Boy; or, Hardly Won, by A. Stuart King, (Mowbray and Co., London,) gives an interesting and edifying account of the success of an invalid girl in converting a street Arab into a good churchman, and useful member of society. The story would have been improved, however, by the omission of the sensational incident which transforms the boy into a gentleman and the cousin of his benefactress.

Sunday Walks and Talks; or, Conversations on the Church Services, (Masters, London,) is a thoroughly useful work, which we should be glad to see in wide circulation, especially in country parishes; it gives the teaching of the Prayer Book in simple and forcible language, and shows in a touching little story how it may be made available for the complete conversion of souls.

Correspondence.

[The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of the Correspondents.]

To the Editor of the Churchman's Companion.

MINSTER IN SHEPPEY ABBEY CHURCH.

SIR,-Four hundred years before the Norman Conquest, a Saxon queen built and endowed a Christian Church in the island of Sheppey. This building was burnt by the Danes, but it is supposed that a portion of the massive tower still stands.

In 1120 Archbishop De Corbeuil built the church that now stands. In later years additional windows have been put in and other alterations made, but still the old church remains. This mother church of Kent now is falling to ruin: on account of damp and general dilapidation, it is hardly fit for decent Christian worship. The villagers number 2,347 persons, but are nearly all poor people. This centre of Christian life now appeals for help. From it once went many who carried the blessings of religion to distant kingdoms; for it was founded in the Heptarchy, and many who now live far away owe something to the energy and Christian example of

those who once lived in Minster. Let a few crumbs of Christian gratitude and honour be bestowed on this aged mother church. We who worship here will be grateful.

Any donations or subscriptions may be sent to the churchwardens or to the vicar, the Rev. W. BRAMSTON, Minster, Sheerness, and will be thankfully acknowledged.

CHURCH TEACHING FOR YOUNG

CHILDREN.

Can any one tell me of a book of religious instruction for my little girl? I want thorough Church teaching, but it must be in very simple words, as she is only six.-OMBRA.

EARLY RISING SOCIETY.

FRAULEIN HANDEL, Ropergate House, Pontefract, will be much obliged if any reader of the Churchman's Companion can send her the rules of an Early Rising, Walking, and Mutual Improvement Society.

LIVES OF THE SAINTS.

Can any one tell me where I could get the lives of the saints of our own calendar? I have tried and failed. I want just a short sketch of the life of each. -OMBRA.

OFFER OF CHURCH NEWSPAPER.

SIR, We should be happy to send our copy of the "Church Times," a few days after publication, to any one who would care to have it, and is unable to purchase it for himself. We could also send the "Church Union Gazette" to a poor associate gratis. Apply to AGATHA, the Manor House, Epsom.

BOOKS FOR THE CANCER HOSPITAL.

SIR, A year and a half ago you kindly inserted a letter from me in your Correspondence, asking your readers if they would help me in forming a small library for the poor suffering patients at the Cancer Hospital, North End, Fulham. My appeal was most kindly responded to, your subscribers sent me the Churchman's Companion for at least five years. I had them bound, making ten volumes, and they are much valued, but it is an object that requires renewing and enlarging. May I once more ask for help in this good work? All kinds of books and magazines are acceptable, as there are all classes received at the hospital, and most of the patients remain there longer periods than in other hospitals, and a book is a great relief to them in their suffering. Any help will be gratefully received by Miss MILLNER, 38, Oxford Road, Kilburn, N.W.

THE SONGS OF GERMANY.

Will any reader of the Churchman's Companion give Boosey's half-crown edition of the Songs of Germany (100 Volkslieder,) no matter if cover faded or soiled, if contents are perfect and clean, for Novello's pocket half-crown edition of Handel's Messiah, cover a little soiled, contents perfect and clean? Also order patterns in sacred initial letters (any chosen) intertwined to form frames

for sacred photos, ready cut out in paper to lay on wood for fret carving. The proceeds will be divided between the Churchman's Companion Cot in the Children's Hospital, and (a local) Ireland charity, or other charity. Address, Miss GREEN, Modbury Vicarage, Ivy Bridge, South Devon.

OLD POSTAGE STAMPS.

Would any kind readers of the Churchman's Companion save their old postage stamps-(the object is for a charitable purpose) and send them to Miss BUCK, 30, Rivers Street, Bath?

OFFER OF PICTURES FOR A SCRAP BOOK.

SIR, -The other day I packed up a few picture-scraps for your correspondent A. R., and then remembered that the Post Office will not now keep packets addressed to initials or fictitious names. If A. R. will send me her address, I shall be happy to forward the pictures. Yours, &c., AGATHA, The Manor House, Epsom.

CONCERTINA FOR AN INVALID.

SIR,-I am very anxious to collect a few shillings on behalf of a young man, who is both a cripple and consumptive, in a Union Hospital, to enable him to procure a concertina, the amusement of which would cheer many weary hours. Ever so small a sum would be most acceptable. If any reader of your Magazine would help a little, I would thankfully acknowledge it.-Yours, &c., H. F. COCHRANE, Chilton Lodge, Hungerford.

S. AUGUSTINE'S MISSION, SOUTHSEA.

Mrs. BOND acknowledges with thanks the receipt of a parcel of papers, "Weedings from an old library," and some numbers of the "Curate's Budget" for the above Mission.

LIST.

Miss NASH begs to acknowledge with thanks two parcels of list, one bearing the Wells post mark, and the other having no post mark at all.

ILLUSTRATIONS FROM SCRIPTURE.

SIR,-I want illustrations taken from incidents in the Bible or Apocrypha, of the following passages in 1 Cor. xiii.: "Is not easily provoked," "Beareth all things," "Believeth all things," "Hopeth all things.' They must be subjects of which I can make a little picture suitable for medallions in an illuminated border: and if any of your correspondents would suggest ideas they would be affording me valuable assistance.Yours, &c., J. E. DAVIES.

THE CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH.

SIR,-I shall be obliged if you or any of your correspondents can inform me what are the peculiar doctrines and practices of the so-called Catholic and Apostolic Church. I should also like to know with whom that name originated; because Irving was the founder of the sect, and therefore the proper designation of the body would be Irvingites.-Yours, &c., A. M. D.

CHURCH PERIODICAL.

SIR,-Can you or your readers tell me the name of a monthly magazine, of a decided Church tone? I know the "Monthly Packet," and the "Churchman's Shilling Magazine," but neither of these are quite what I want, I should like to hear of one in the style of the Churchman's Companion (which I already take,) but it seems difficult to find.

I should also like to be enlightened as to the proper pronunciation of the word "Gethsemane," I have heard it frequently called Gethsem'-a-ne, as well as Geth-se-mane, and am wondering which is right.-Your's, &c., BELLA.

WORKING PARTY FOR FARMERS'
DAUGHTERS.

SIR,-Can any one kindly suggest some books suitable for reading at a working party of farmers' daughters; also a short commentary for daily reading at family prayers?—Yours, &c., S.

LOAN OF BOOKS.

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SIR,-Would any charitably disposed people lend me back volumes of the "Monthly Packet" or Churchman's Companion? I am living as governess in a little country village, where there are no facilities for obtaining nice books for Sunday reading. I want the "Monthly Packet" from the beginning of the "Daisy Chain ;" and the Churchman's Companion from the middle of "The Prisoners of Hope." Any volumes would be most acceptable. I would take great care of the books, and of course pay the postage both ways. -Address, Miss COOMBS, W. Wyndham, Esq., Dinton, Salisbury.

EXCHANGE OF MUSIC AND BOOKS.

SIR,-Will any reader of the Churchman's Companion give me any Church Music, old or new, in exchange for eight volumes of the "Parish Magazine" from 1866 to 1873-Address, E. ROBINSON, Hackthorn, Lincoln.

HARMONIUM FOR A POOR PARISH.

SIR,-Will you ask in your columns if any readers of the Churchman's Companion will kindly help a clergyman's family in a very poor parish in Cornwall, to get a new Harmonium and West Window for the Church? It was restored not many years ago by the help of kind friends, but money is still much wanted for windows, &c. The parishioners cannot do much, but they are all willing to give what they can. The smallest contributions will be thankfully received by Miss CowLARD, S. Breward Vicarage, Bodmin, Cornwall, for Rev. Dr. Martin, Vicar of the Parish. Post Office Orders payable to M. F. COWLARD, Bodmin.

MANUAL FOR ILLUMINATIONS.

Can any reader of the Churchman's Companion kindly inform ANNIE if there is a book published by which one can get instruction in illuminating?

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