mine heaps on to the common already referred to. I watched my opportunity, and used my utmost strength to guide the pony through this road, but from the turning being too sharp for the speed at which he was going, I could not hit the road, and he went up over the further heap of rubbish. On nearing the top I found it was doubtful whether he would clear it, so I used whip and spur to try to get him over the summit, but found he was wavering, and finally, after balancing for a

gun and rifle with me to see which would answer best, and while using the former a boy who was collecting the birds as they were shot, took up the rifle which I had incautiously left loaded, and was playing with it without my having observed it. While reloading the gun, I heard a report close by me, and thought I was conscious of a whistling sound very near my head. I took off my hat, and on examining it carefully, found on the edge of its very narrow brim a mark

moment or so, he fell backward. I was happily I was happily able to clear my feet from the stirrups, or I should have been killed without doubt, but in extricating myself was brought to my feet just below the pony on the mine heap. My only way of avoiding him as he rolled down, was to scramble down its side backward in front of him as quickly as possible. He rolled over several times, until, coming to the road, he stopped, and on looking behind me I found myself within two or three feet of the railway track, with no defence between it and me, and as the train was then just coming up, one roll more must have landed me under the wheels.

The next incident occurred when I was staying in the country, and a friend had asked me to shoot rooks in his rookery. I had taken both a

of the bullet; the slightest deviation in that direction must have sent the ball through my head.

I just mention these incidents as they occur to my mind, not doubting that such things are equally common in the experience of many others; but I fear in my own case that I felt far from sufficiently thankful at the time for the preservation afforded. Still more strongly does it point to the importance of our earnestly considering how it would have been with us had our lives been thus suddenly cut short; for in this life, surrounded as we are by so many visible and unseen dangers, it surely behoves us to remember that "in the midst of life we are in death," and that we know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.

J. B.

FRESH AIR FOR THE CHILDREN.

E have recently seen an appeal on behalf of the above. The objects, says the writer, are "very simple," and as we were one of the first to bring the aims of the Society before the public, we are glad to recur to them. The President and the Committee select certain sickly and delicate children and send them into the country to farm-houses or cottages in the country, where they can be boarded and lodged for a small charge. Last year nearly three hundred little delicate plants were thus invigorated, and no more useful practical work could be undertaken by the charitable. We are not advocating the admission of the sick, but of the delicate into these country homes, and it appears to us only fair that some certificate of freedom from disease of an infectious or contagious character should be given before sending the children into the country houses. We have not yet an opportunity to peruse the report, but readers of THE QUIVER were interested in the idea when it first appeared in our columns, and we are glad to hear that the scheme has had such a successful trial. The Secretary, we understand, is Mr. Walter Hazell, 6, Kirby Street, Hatton Garden, whose name appears in connection with other good works for children which have come under our notice, and particu lars may be obtained from him by those desirous to co-operate in this most useful undertaking.

AT A RAILWAY CROSSING.

An extremely practical work has been undertaken by Miss Macpherson in addition to the manifold duties already performed by her in the Home of Industry; and this is the enlightenment of the men, women, and children employed or dwelling at railway crossings. We are all of us familiar with the figure that emerges from the little box or the cottage beside the line, and carefully closes the gates as soon as the train appears in sight. Such workers are in the midst of the stream of humanity, on the very brink of the flood of life, and often on the verge of death, yet by their very vocation isolated from their fellow creatures, who in sober earnest pass them by. They have few opportunities for rest or conversation on week days, and but little time on Sundays to walk to church, even if rest were not an absolute necessity for health of body and mind. These men and women toil day by day to avoid accident and to save our lives. Can we not do something to save thein? There are in England at least 6,000 persons employed at level crossings, many practically strangers to all religious influences in consequence of the duties they are called upon to perform, without books or papers perhaps. To alleviate the lives of these good and steady workers the mission to railway crossings has been formed, and many ladies now interest themselves in distributing pleasant and profitable reading, while occa. sionally visiting and teaching these isolated members of society. If a certain number of ladies in a district would undertake to procure and distribute suitable literature amongst the railway crossing-men and their families, or read to the women, visit them, and let them, particularly in country districts, feel that they take an interest in their welfare, much good will be done, and much unhappiness saved. After so many hours' attendance the tendency of the individual is to some society, not generally of the best, and a visitor will be able to relieve the solitude of the day during the necessary idle hours or half-hours that intervene between the trains.

"THE OLD OLD STORY."

The report of the Moody and Sankey Mission meetings in Manchester will surprise many who have not followed the course of the preachers. They held twenty-one Gospel meetings, which brought in 68,000 people to listen

to the Word of Life. There were Bible lectures and men's meetings, prayer meetings and workers' meetings, all numerously attended, giving a total of individuals exceeding 76,000. The crowds were enormous, and very desirous to come in, so that on many occasions the doors, of the hall had to be opened long before the proceedings were advertised or arranged to commence. There was no difference of opinion amongst the ministers who attended, representing all denominations, and expressed themselves pleased with the manner in which the various services and meetings were conducted. Now what good has resulted from all this? Are we to believe that the seed sown thus broadcast and with no sparing hand has had or will have no result? Already we observe some growth. More than eighteen hundred people have entered their names in acknowledgment of the spiritual benefit received, and we may fairly conclude that many more hundreds have carried away the germ of spiritual life, which, even though small as the grain of mustardseed, will grow up and influence their after lives. If the individuals thus visited with Divine grace will now voluntarily and prayerfully seek its continuance for themselves at home and in their place of worship, the benefits, which will have accrued in time on earth, will be eternal and incalculable.

AGAINST A COMMON ENEMY.

A recent meeting of the Ragged School Union at Exeter Hall was well attended, and much interest was evinced in the addresses which were delivered from the platform. There were many well-known and prominent workers in this good cause present, and the meeting had been convened for the purpose of consolidating the work of the Union. The benefits which have accrued from this mission work are almost incalculable- certainly, no hasty estimate of the good results can be made. When we know that at least 300,000 children have been rescued by the workers of the Ragged Schools, we may form some idea of the mass of crime and poverty that has been prevented, and the happiness which has come in their place. From a very small beginning, the great edifice has been carefully built up. Less than forty years ago, four individuals met, and plotted "against a common enemy." During the last thirty-nine years, the Ragged Schools have been carrying on a work which deserves more consideration than many more ambitious national schemes. What benefits to society have been conferred by that brave pioneer band, who set forth bravely to cut down and root up the deadly growths and seeds which were rendering life horrible and many localities uninhabitable by decent people!

THE STORY OF THE UNION.

This has been touchingly told by Miss Hesba Stretton, and was feelingly alluded to at the convention. The Day School, by degrees, developed into the Refuge for the Night. The teaching during the day did much, when warmth and attention weaned the Ragged Scholar from his sad or wicked memories. But with the approach of night the influence, like the pure daylight, waned. Out into the cold and the darkness went the children, to be again inoculated with vice and misery. The great want was at length overcome. Refuges were built, industrial schools were instituted; the poor, the homeless, and the outcast, were thus sheltered and cared for until they were in a position to go forth and earn their own living. In 1851, the Shoeblack Brigade was organised, and every assistance and encouragement were given to young servants, and to institutions kindred to the Schools, which began to rise all through the country. We trust all who are interested in the future of our children, will unite in supporting the Union, and retain it in the proud and enviable position it has so long occupied at the head of the numerous Christian societies, established for the welfare of our errant and erring populations.

MISSION HOMES IN PARIS.

We have had occasion to direct attention to Miss Leigh's Homes for Governesses in Paris, and we are glad to learn that they are likely to meet with increased support. We trust the conditional sum promised has been gained by the collection of the required amount, and that the governesses' homes are in a condition to render still more efficient help. Miss Leigh, who was in this country a few months ago, referred on one occasion to the sad results attending the marriages of English girls with Frenchmen, and she strongly advocated the revision of these ordinances. As the law now stands, a French subject may marry an Englishwoman, according to British law, and desert her, taking any property of which she may be possessed. A very sad case of this kind came under Miss Leigh's notice; and another-or, at least, an attempt which was frustrated in time-came, lately, within our own experience. In the former case, the husband lived apart from his deserted wife, enjoying her money in England, while she lived under the ban in France. It should be distinctly understood that marriage in England with a foreigner is invalid abroad unless the stranger declare it before the consul; and a proposition which will tend to the happiness of our country women has been made to petition Parliament to pass an act to protect British subjects marrying foreigners in England, by declaring that such unions should be contracted before a consul, or at the embassy. As already remarked, the sanctity of our homes reacts upon our national happiness, and such an act will tend to the welfare of many who may contemplate such marriage, and who trust blindly in the professions of the adventurer.

AMONG THE POLICE.

Our notice of the good work performed in certain Metropolitan districts amongst our civil protectors, has called forth a communication from Norwich which informs us that similar work is carried on in that city with much success. As we have not received permission to mention any names of those interested and active in this benevolent work, we will only indicate the manner in which it is carried out, not only in Norwich, but Leeds, Brighton, and other places. Every policeman has a packet forwarded to him monthly, containing good and useful books. Thirteen ladies have generously united and bound themselves to send eight packets every month to the guardians of the peace in their localities. Bible classes have been formed, and the progress made is reported as highly satisfactory. The manner of reaching the policemen by letter-writing, in the way lately commented upon as so successfully carried out in the army, has also been adopted with excellent results. Our correspondent has requested that her name may not be published in connection with her good work, but we are certain it is highly appreciated, and that her efforts will prove a blessing to her and her friends, as well as to the objects of her Christian kindness and benevolence.

WORSE THAN DEATH.

"What is this? a woman with a book?" This is the manner in which Brahmin ladies are liable to be addressed, and in these words a young wife was addressed in her husband's house. We have seen an extract from correspondence referring to a very sad case which happened lately in India. The Brahmin lady, who, in her younger days, wished to become a Christian, was forced into matrimony at thirteen. She sought Miss Reade, and declared her wish to become a Christian, and to remain with her. The missionary set before her the difficulties of the case, but the native was firm, and would not return to idolatry. Her relatives came, and after some expostulation, retired. She was quite free, and in no way interfered with by the Europeans; but next morning the young lady was carried away by force, and even when brought before the magistrates, persisted in her declaration to become a Christian. There is reason to fear that she has met with much ill-usage, and that drugs likely to produce mania have been administered to her. If so, the investigation should be close and searching. The

circumstances are vouched for, and the full account has appeared in one of the Bombay papers. This is another proof of the need still existing for continued effort in India to endeavour to win the men to the recognition of the sacred truths. In this instance the girl had imbibed the truth, and acted upon the teaching of her girlhood; "from hearing Christian boys talk about Christianity, she had wished to become a Christian." The ladies who are sent out by the Zenana Medical Missions may have something to say in this case, for to their aid we must primarily appeal. To ladies the arduous task must first be committed, and we trust every effort will be made to relieve the poor "wives" from a captivity which is worse than death.

GROWING APACE.

Read by the light of some recent experiences, the following statistics will be interesting, as showing the number of native Christians in India, the island of Ceylon, and Burmah. The numbers have been taken from the Mission Tables, and show a decided advance upon the results of former years-taking the returns of a period extending from 1851 until 1881. We will mass the figures for the three divisions, to facilitate comparison. In the year 1851 the numbers of native Christians in these parts were, in "round figures," 103,000; in 1881, 529,000. The increase was steady, and in the periods of ten years advanced with successive strides to the present high figure. In India alone the Christian natives have increased from 91,000 to 417,000, or nearly fifty-three per cent. from 1851 to 1861, while lately the rate of increase has been much more rapid, reaching nearly ninety per cent. That these figures are trustworthy may be seen when the number of the communicants is stated. During the same period they have increased from 17,000 to 145,000, of which 113,000 are in India alone. Thus we find that the numbers have been almost doubling themselves every ten years; indeed, during the last ten certainly they have more than doubled, and the increase has been progressive; there has been no falling away. These facts ought to be very encouraging to the workers who have accomplished so much, and if the blessing rest upon the work in future, the happiest results may be expected, and looked for, within a comparatively short time. Figures of course do not prove everything, but we have much reason to be thankful for the decided advance made in India and ad acent countries by our missionaries.

A HEAVY BILL FOR STIMULANTS.

Such an enormous sum as one hundred and twenty-six millions of pounds sterling is indeed a startling one, but the amount actually spent in intoxicating liquors during the year 1882 is really in excess of that. Yet this is an improvement when compared with previous years; and though the cost per head has been calculated to reach only 18. 3d. less, the aggregate sum saved to the nation is something considerable. It is certainly encouraging to all friends of total abstinence or temperance to know that the decrease per head during the last five years has been at least 17s. Some critics think this diminution is merely owing to the depression which has affected all trades more or less during the past few years; but when we look around and see the number of sincere adherents of the total abstinence principle, as pourtrayed in the wearing of the blue ribbon badge, we may rest assured that depression of trade has less to do with the result than the powerful advocacy of temperance principles. Temperance reform is already being advocated, and many advocate local option. When we consider the effects of excessive indulgence in drinking, when we hear it stated that seventy-five per cent. of the crimes in our land are due to this vice-when we read that 120,000 persons die annually from the effects of intoxication in this country-we may well stand surprised, but may congratulate advocates of temperance upon the improvement they have already achieved. The useless members of the population-useless because addicted to intemperancenumber 600,000, and if we can turn such an amount of wasted fibre into energy, and make it do some work, the national wealth will be very largely augmented and the loss of

revenue more than compensated for. Figures are absolutely conclusive in these cases. The fifteen millions of pounds paid to sustain paupers might to a great extent be saved, could we only keep ourselves sober. The immense boon which would be conferred upon the land in every way cannot be estimated. The good work has commenced and is still advancing. We can all in our way give it a helping hand, and increase the growing impetus of the temperance movement.

SOME MEDICAL MISSIONS.

From various sources at home and abroad, we have received assurances of the continual or initial success of Medical Missions. This manner of reaching the hearts of the careless seems to be a very successful one, whether it be practised under Indian and Italian skies, or beneath the dulling influences of an English climate. The Medical Mission in Marylebone has been in existence for years, and has, we believe, on a former occasion, been mentioned in these columns. Dr. Chambers records many instances in which the seed has fallen on good ground, and the poor patient has been induced, while under the influence of bodily suffering, to recognise the Hand which alone was able to raise him up. From the report, to which we must refer our readers for fuller information, we learn how money comes in voluntarily at times from grateful patients, and such thank-offerings as these deserve to be heralded. How many there are in life who accept benefits, even seek them, and when they have been accorded, the recipients discover, or invent, some reason for "passing by on the other side," and ignoring the source whence the long-wished-for opportunity or blessing has arisen! But gratitude apparently has been rendered to Dr. Chambers in Marylebone, and we trust the same satisfactory return awaits the Medical Missions in Florence and Rome, where Miss Robarts and Mr. Wall, respectively, carry on a similar good work.

IN "THE CITY OF FLOWERS."

We may make a few observations concerning these two institutions, for we believe they are the first of their kind in the two cities we have named. The ladies' work in Florence, whence some dear friends have lately returned, is said to be of a most encouraging character. There are rooms devoted to the work in a good situation, and here, daily, numerous patients, sick at heart and ill at ease, assemble to hear the Word of God, and to have their bodily ailments attended to by a devoted Italian doctor. This enterprise is rapidly growing, and any reader interested who has friends in the "City of Flowers" will be welcomed; and if he or she personally, or in a pecuniary sense, assist the ladies in their excellent work, we may venture to say they will be welcomed. In the more southern city, Mr. Wall's work amongst the poorer classes is wonderfully appreciated both in the medical and religious sides of the work. We cannot always estimate the good done under such circumstances, but we believe that the gentle influence of the Gospel is felt more when bodily pain has softened the heart, and reminded us that we are in the hands of a Supreme Being, Whose holy will is to be done on earth as it is in heaven. The ground is then prepared for the reception, and fitted for the growth of the seed in the hearts of hundreds who would perhaps otherwise never hear the Gospel. All sickness is a call or a warning to us, and those, be they laymen or clergymen, who direct our attention to the condition of our souls at such times, and lead us in the right path, even through tribulation, are deserving of all encouragement and assistance. There is room for helpers and need for aid in all these cases, and no doubt many will be glad to have an opportunity to assist.

it's cos there's something wrong with theirselves, for there's everything a man can wish here for soul and body." This is gratifying and spontaneous testimony from those who are obliged to leave the home and make way for others. The Black Rock House is in the Rottingdean Road, near Brighton and the sea, and receives patients chiefly from the east end of London, many of whom have never seen the ocean. It is curious to read the testimony of some of these, and to find one poor woman saying, "I rode outside the 'bus on purpose to see it, but I can't find no end to it, and I did think to find trees growing on it!" Concerning the Home itself we can now give some particulars. In 1866 an unsolicited donation from the Duke of Sutherland furnished a nucleus for this institution, which served as a receptacle for cholera convalescents. The success was repeated at the present site, and the attached houses are now capable of holding forty inmates. About nine thousand cases have been received at Black Rock, the large majority of which have been restored to health. The ordinary treatment of the inmates leaves nothing to be desired. The occupations provided are useful and entertaining. There are "various treats" arranged during the summer and the winter days, and evenings are profitably employed in making scrap books for children's hospitals, book bags for church missions to sailors, and Bible albums. We have already quoted some expressions of thankfulness and appreciation; we will conclude with another. "I cannot find words to express the comfort and consolation your kind words and prayers have been to mequite a balm to my poor wounded heart; the remembrance of yourself and Miss Marsh will often cheer my drooping spirits, and remind me of my Saviour's love and kindness." Such efforts as deserve these terms should need little assistance when the true Christian charity which prompts them becomes known as it deserves to be.

GRIMSBY FISHER-LADS' INSTITUTE.

We have occasionally been reminded of the treatment unfairly and, in some cases, cruelly inflicted upon our fisher-lads; but the report we have before us shows us an existing tendency to the general improvement of this class, and the interest locally taken in them. It is satisfactory to find that the second year's work in the new building has been entirely successful. But we are assured that, with the material success, the moral benefits and influence of the Institute are most marked. Numbers of the young men make the place their head-quarters when ashore, and their improved general behaviour will have no small influence upon the trade. In connection with the Institute, a savings bank has been established, and many interesting cases, in which the lads have come forward to the assistance of their aged or distressed parents, might be quoted. Another pleasing arrangement is the correspondence, which has largely increased. Consideration for, and affectionate remembrance of absent or distant friends and relatives, dictate a number of letters now, and serve to tranquillise a father's or a mother's heart-yearning to hear something from the fisher-lad at sea. Physical training is also looked to, as well as temperance and other moral characteristics, and it speaks well for the Committee and officers that so much is done, and that there is no outstanding debt on the Revenue Account. The Building Fund Account is not yet closed, but we trust means will be forthcoming to wipe off the remaining deficit. We may add that gifts of books or illustrated papers, periodicals, etc., will be thankfully received, and by a little exertion an excellent library might be added to the Institute. Perhaps some of our readers might like to initiate such a useful work, and to communicate with Mr. Orby Bradley, the Hon. Secretary, upon the subject. The funds available will not permit the purchase of books, but the carriage, we are assured, will be paid of any parcels which may be sent. There must be hundreds of suitable odd volumes lying about in the houses of readers which might be forwarded to Grimsby; and surely the energy which has established and long maintained a QUIVER life-boat will not fail the fisher-lads in their need and desire for instruction!

"THE QUIVER"

113. What words of the prophet Hanani testify to God's watchful care of man?

114. Who were Rezin and Pekah, and in what terms are they mentioned by the prophet Isaiah?

115. Distinguish between the desert of Zin and the wilderness of Sin.

116. On what occasion did St. Paul foretell future events?

117. In what words does St. Paul describe the struggle in man's heart between good and evil?

118. From whom did Solomon obtain materials for building the Temple, and in what manner did he pay for them? 119. What is to be understood by the term "firmament" in the Book of Genesis?

120. What is specially mentioned concerning the life of Enoch, the son of Jared? and in what Epistle is reference made to him?

121. At what time did mankind commence the public acknowledgment of God in services of prayer?

122. It is said the Ark was made of "Gopher" wood; what kind of wood is this?

123. From what should we gather that St. James and St. John were not of the poorest class of fishermen ?

124. In what does St Mark's account of our Blessed Lord's temptation in the wilderness differ from that of the other Evangelists?

125. What prophecy of Micah concerning Jerusalem was fulfilled by the Roman Emperor Hadrian?

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON PAGE 576.

99. He attempted to take upon himself the priest's office and offer sacrifice in the Temple. (2 Chron. xxvi. 16-19.)

BIBLE CLASS.

100. In King David's reign, by Joab, who was therefore made chief captain. (1 Chron. xi. 4-7.)

101. It is stated that Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, was of the course of Abia, and that he executed the priest's office in the order of his course when the angel appeared to him. (Luke i. 5-8.)

102. The prophet Hanani, because Asa the king had sought help from the Syrians instead of trusting in God. (2 Chron. xvi. 7—10.)

103. It was upon that mount Abram was bidden to offer up his son Isaac. (Gen. xxii. 2.)

101. The Babylonians carried all away with them to Babylon, or broke them to pieces. (2 Kings xxv. 13-18.) 105. At Bethel and at Dan, to prevent the people going up to Jerusalem to worship, for fear they should turn again to follow Rehoboam, king of Judah. (1 Kings xii. 27-29.)

106. In Deut. xxviii. 52-57.

107. The men whom the king sent to take Elijah were destroyed by fire from heaven. (2 Kings i. 9–13.)

108. Josiah, king of Judah, whose name was mentioned to Jeroboam by the prophet who was sent to Bethel, (1 Kings xiii. 2.)

109. The brazen censers of the two hundred and fifty who offered incense were made into broad plates as a covering for the altar. (Numbers xvi. 35-39.)

110. "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up." (John iii. 14.) 111. In the Epistle of St. Peter, where it says, "The elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up." (2 Pet. iii. 10.)

112. "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able." (1 Cor. x. 13.)