incomparably beautiful. Instead, they are flaws on the fair structure of life which GOD created, the result of sin, and marring the beauty of His handiwork. Perfect light, perfect freedom, perfect capacity for enjoyment, are the heritage of GOD's elect; to be found in part in the study and imitation of Him Who is altogether lovely, to be completely attained when waking up after GOD's likeness, we are satisfied with it. Already, and in our human nature we are an holy nation, we have been anointed as "kings and priests to GOD." Kings to bring the royal gift of worship, priests to offer the atoning sacrifice of love. The high mysterious phrase will reveal to us its full meaning when the glorious day dawns; the mystic union of sovereignty over things temporal and things spiritual; the gift of a title implying the very highest office which man can hold to man and for man where the Lamb alone reigneth for ever, and we see Him face to face, nor need a sacrifice, tell us of our union with the Divine nature. In the early days of the history of GOD's people, "Judah was His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion." His two-fold sovereignty was the image of His perfect reign. Then in the perfection of that highest power bestowed on man, the power of worship, we shall be able to approach Him aright, and to contemplate in eternal rapture the undying and all-satisfying Beauty of Holiness. S. EDWARD, K. M. MARCH 18. EVER on his knees he drew, In a neighbouring room there toiled S. C. Side by side the artists stood, And their pictures wondrous fair, "Heaven" and "Earth" they named them there. "Heaven" looked up with starlit eyes, Hers was but a woman's grace, Yet 'twas "Earth" they praised the best, Beauty hideth as a bloom ; Edward's eyes were bright with prayer, Wouldst thou, O my soul, then wear Wonder not if men bestow Oft their praise on earth's more fair; There its beauty finds its love. M. "Edward was a good youth, and noble, and fearing GOD, but Etheldred was fair to look on; Elfrida the queen-mother, natheless because he was her own son, (for Edward was the son of Ethelfleda,) but also because he was beautiful to the eyes, determined he should wear the crown of the Saxons." 237 Reviews and Notices. Studies on the History of the Book of Common Prayer, by Herbert M. Luckock, D.D., Canon of Ely, &c. (Rivingtons.) We know of no so readable a work on the Prayer Book as this. The author does not pretend to any original research. The materials out of which the Prayer Book was constructed are now happily accessible to the scholar; the history of the period has been well investigated, and there needed but a skilful and painstaking hand to weave them into an interesting whole. This Dr. Luckock has done, and we recommend his volume with very great confidence both to theological students and to the general reader. The method which the writer adopts is to arrange his comments under four heads,―The Anglican Reform, The Puritan Innovations, The Elizabethan Reaction, and The Caroline Settlement. Of these, we need scarcely say, the first and the last are of chief importance. Special interest is given to the volume by accounts of all the principal agents in the several revisions of the Prayer Book; and there are also some useful Appendices, especially one which describes the Directory issued by the famous Westminster Assembly. We can thoroughly recommend Short Sketches of Fathers of the English Church for young readers, by Frances Phillips, (Bemrose and Sons,) which though dated 1880, has only just reached us for review. The "Fathers" selected are S. Augustine, Venerable Bede, S. Chad, S. Anselm, S. Hugh, and Stephen Langton. And looking to general acceptance, the selection is well advised. The last is specially full, and is a subject less worn than any of the others. The Story of the Universities' Central African Mission having been for some time out of print, the Author, the Rev. Henry Rowley, has now republished it in a condensed form, and brought it down to the present time, together with brief notes of what has been done by other agencies. The title of the new volume is Twenty Years in Central Africa, (Gardner and Darton,) and we have no doubt that it will be welcomed by a large number of readers. Mr. Washington Moon has amused himself with some small criticisms on the Revised Version of the New Testament, The Revisers' English, (Hatchards.) Of course he has made some few hits, but we should have thought that having already appeared in a weekly newspaper, the author might have been content without the publication of a separate volume. Another Address by Lord Forbes has reached us, breathing the same earnest and devout tone that characterises all his Appeals. It is entitled Unity, (Aberdeen: Brown and Co.,) and urges upon Churchmen the great truth that it is by faithful Communion at the Altar that love for unity alone can be engendered and fed. We must draw the attention of those of our readers who have to do with the education and amusement of children to Frederick Helmore's Singing Method, No. 1, (Masters and Co.) It is the "little ones' book," and contains the in songs 66 Alice in Wonderland," and "Through the Looking-Glass," with a selection of nursery rhymes set to simple and attractive music, and also some easy songs and rounds, such as are sung and acted in Mr. Helmore's children's classes. We are sure that this charmingly arranged collection will be a source both of pleasure and instruction to the little folks who may be fortunate enough to obtain possession of it. The volume for last year of My Sunday Friend, (Mowbray, Oxford and London,) appears in very attractive guise, and its contents of good stories and numerous pictures cannot fail to be appreciated by the little people for whom it is intended. It is henceforward to be edited by the Rev. Canon Curteis, of Lichfield, in whose hands we have no doubt it will well. prosper The Gospeller, from the same publisher, continues its useful course, and deserves even wider support than it has received. We are glad to find that it has made its way into many hospitals, as it is especially well adapted for the use of the suffering inmates. The volume for 1881 is enriched by a photograph from a beautiful picture. Correspondence. [The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of the Correspondents.] To the Editor of the Churchman's Companion. Answers. SISTERHOOD OF FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY. SIR,—Would you be so kind as to allow me to draw public attention to the following by inserting it in the columns of the Churchman's Companion? The Sisterhood of Faith, Hope, and Charity is intended for those who have a longing (and trust they have a true call) for the "Religious Life," but who being in more or less delicate health are unable to attach themselves to any of the existing Orders. The Rules of such a Community must needs be such as to suit those in weak bodily health, while no kindly strictness must be omitted which is necessary to enable them to offer themselves to GOD, "souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice." Should any in good health be drawn to join, they will be expected to care for, and, in case of need, help their weaker Sisters. A certain sum only will be asked of each yearly (according to her means) for the general support. General work of the Sisterhood,1. Bible Classes. 2. Mothers' Meetings. 3. Associations for Young Women, &c. 4. Visitings. 5. Nursing and Visiting the Sick in their own homes, and, should any Sisters be equal to it, remaining with them through the night when necessary. 6. For particulars concerning other work in anticipation, send six stamps for Pamphlet. Funds for the promotion of this cause are earnestly solicited. Could not each reader of your valuable magazine (as a thankoffering for it) at least send one shilling towards the work pleaded for? Well established Sisterhoods find not much difficulty in procuring assistance in their undertakings, but few realise how many schemes for the glory of GOD, prompted by Him, the Head of all things, are brought to nought by the fact that so few are found willing to give a helping hand in starting any new work; so few are willing to risk anything for the GOD Who died for them. There are two parts in all work for GOD. 1. The good done for Him; 2. the act offered to Him, whether it be crowned with success or not. But in this case the work has been already commenced with unexpected success. 1. Young Women Communicants' Classes and Teas, 2. Choir Boys' Classes, 3. Mothers' Meetings, 4. Bible Classes for Men and Women, and 5. Devotional Services, and Readings in the Oratory for Sunday School Teachers, Church Workers, and other ladies, are held in connection with the Mission. Correspondence will be welcomed concerning the above. Probationers received, and donations and subscriptions thankfully acknowledged by the Sister Superior, Shaldon, Teignmouth, South Devon. BOOKS FOR BOYS. SIR,-In answer to your correspondent MAUD, I find that the following list of books suitable for boys is given in the January number of "Our Work" (the publication of the Church Extension Association,) in answer to a similar query. "Drifted Away," price 2s. 6d.; "For Faith and Fatherland," 2s. 6d. ; "Stories on the Seven Sacred Rites," 2s. 6d.; "Heroes of the North," 2s. 6d. ; 66 'Percy Trevor's Training," 2s. 6d.; "Brave Dame Mary, or the Siege of Corfe Castle," 2s.; "Brag and Holdfast," 1s. 6d.; "But Once," 1s.; "The Lighthouse," 18. I can also strongly recommend "The Carved Cartoon," 4s.; "The Royal Banner," 2s. 6d. ; "Davie Armstrong," 1s.; and "The King's Namesake, a Tale of Carisbrooke Castle," 2s. Most of the above are published by the S. P. C. K. MAUD Will find the tune to "Sing we Merry Christmas," in Chope's "Carols for use in Church," 4s. (Novello, Ewer and Co.) I do not know whether it is published separately, but shall be glad to copy it for her if she will send me her address. Yours, &c., EDITH LITTLE. THE MAN OF ROSS. SIR,-In the interesting article on "The Kyrle Society" in the last number of the Churchman's Companion, there is a mistake which I am anxious to correct. It is stated that "the Man of Ross lies unmonumented in the chancel of the church of his native place." It is true there was no monument when Pope wrote his celebrated lines, but since that time a monument has been erected in Ross Church in memory of "the Man of Ross." I think that, in justice to the people of his native place it ought not to be supposed that his name is still unrecorded there.-Yours, &c., C. B. |