revisers of the sacred books, as to undertake the cost of the work, desiring them not to spare any cost that might be necessary to the success of the undertaking. One of those most actively engaged in this service was John Bodley, father of the founder of the Bodleian library. The text was printed for the first time in Roman letter, and the division of chapters into verses was introduced. A marginal commentary was added. The size of the book was moderate quarto. From the time of its first appearance it became the household Bible of the English speaking nations; and it continued to be so for about three quarters of a century. It would be pleasant to say something about the history of Geneva, and about the men of eminence who have lived there in past times, and those who adorn literature, science, and religion, now living either there or in the neighbourhood; but we must refrain from doing so. When last there I saw the spot where the remains of Calvin are believed to repose, marked by a flat stone that bears the initials only, J. C. We had not time to visit the spot now. On the former occasion I saw and heard the richly gifted Merle d'Aubigne, Professor Gaussen, Adrian Neville, and many other men of mark. The recollection of them is a gratification to myself, and that is all I can now say. We had a charming run by rails from Geneva to Lausanne, affording us a magnificent view of the mountains of Savoy, on the opposite side of the lake. The splendour of the setting sun, and the illumination of those grand elevations by his beams, contrasted with the darkening hue of the Jura range, behind which he was sinking, on his way towards the western world, created a scene so glorious that none but a brute could pass along as we did without emotion; and an angel might be supposed to pause and gaze with reverence, and to strike a new note of praise to the great Creator of all. We could have spent the night in gazing upon such splendour. The curtain fell, however, before we reached Lausanne, which was at about twenty minutes after nine. Tuesday we spent looking about Lausanne, and in a lovely walk into the country and back. We made a call at the residence of the Rev. T. HOCART, but found him not at home. We were introduced to Madame, and to one of the sons, with whom we had a little conversation, in a large, beautiful, and elegantly furnished room. On examining the beds at our lodgings, I found that they rested upon small springs of wrought iron, laid horizontally; and they upon spiral springs of thick copper wire, supported by thick laths of wood. The mechanical combination gives elasticity to the bed, rendering it pleasant to rest upon. At many hotels the same contrivance is in use. (To be continued.) Mental Science. MENTAL IMPROVEMENT. BY GEORGE SIMS. No. 2. THAT we are possessed of a nature capable of improvement, and of important achievements, we regard as conclusive evidence that we are in duty bound to improve it. This capability is a talent in reference to which the great Master says, "Occupy till I come." It has been said, "What is man, if the chief good and market of his time be but to sleep and to feed? -a beast?-no more. Surely, He that made us with such large discourse, looking before and after, gave us not that capability and God-like reason to rust in us unused." It is needless for us even to attempt to show of how much importance the embarking of the whole soul is to the success of any enterprise. Why is it that so many who devote so much time to the acquisition of knowledge, make, after all, such limited attainments? The only answer that can be given to the question is, the soul is only half thrown into it. It is necessary in this, as in other things, to attend to the advice of Solomon, Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." 66 There are those, especially young people, who, because they cannot stand on the same mental level with some (perhaps many) of their companions, come to the conclusion "that they have no talent," and that mental application, in their case, would be little better than waste of time. To such we would say, it is not so much strength of mind that is wanted, as strength of purpose. Read the lives of some of the best informed and most useful men that have ever lived, and you will find that it was that most unostentatious, common-place, and by some, alas! despised thing,industry, that made them what they were. It is, perhaps, the uniform opinion of reflecting men, that the world owes nothing to talent in comparison to what it owes to patient and persevering application. In many things a man will be very much what he means to be. If he is content to remain as a mere shrub, or bramble, to creep on the ground of the intellectual world, he will never become as a tall cedar in Lebanon. We should do well to ponder the statement of the talented author of " Self Formation," However low you may stand in the scale of intellect, be satisfied that it depends but upon yourself to raise yourself to a high rank, if not to the very highest. You may be long in darkness-you may feel yourself for a while to be incapable of original thought; but in this you are no worse off than are most of your neighbours. Read and meditate, and if you only persist in the experiment, you will infallibly, in spite of yourself, become great. Away with the cabalistic nonsense of the prerogative of genius. For myself, I declare solemnly, that if I had to begin life anew, without any other experience than the assurance of success of intellectual quasi-perfectibility, I would choose to begin it as a dunce, rather than as a boy of genius. The certainty that I have spoken of would sustain me and animate me, and nerve me in my endeavours to improve myself, from the lowest to the highest rank; and I should have all the pleasure of the pursuit-an inestimable pleasure, indeed, in such a region, together with the anticipation of success; the assurance of the crowning glory." 66 The advantages of study and improvement may be classed among the things which can be better realised than expressed. They are thus described by the eloquent Robert Hall, Knowledge expands the mind, exalts the faculties, refines the taste, and opens innumerable sources of intellectual enjoyment. By means of it we become less dependent for satisfaction on the sensitive appetite; the gross pleasures of sense are more easily despised, and we are made to feel the superiority of the spiritual_to the material part of our nature. stead of being continually solicited by the influence of sensible objects, the mind can retire within itself, and expatiate within the cool and quiet walks of contemplation." In In fixing the goal of intellectual culture, we would recommend that it always be placed high. Let us not be N teachers, we have to contend with ignorance and vice in the children under our care. Yes; and others have had to contend with ignorance in us; we are only, by the grace of God, carrying on the same conflict, and on the same battle-field, as our own teachers engaged in; and as they fought, so must we. In order to be the more successful in accomplishing the object-namely, the salvation of these children's souls, I think a few things will be necessary; and in classing these requisites, allow me to address thee, fellow teacher, affectionately; and in so doing, I beseech thee, in the first place, remember thyself. Regard for our own character, perhaps, ought to be the first consideration. Character in a teacher is of vast importance—and I mean to say our every-day character. Often have I noticed, with deep sorrow, the trifling and wantonness on the part of Sunday-school teachers, when in their daily occupations. Vain and foolish talk prevents the good we otherwise might do; and where this is seen by our scholars on week-days, it is remembered by them on the Sunday. Next to character, perhaps, is punctuality in attendance. For want of this, many of our gifted, as well as the more humble, teachers are non-efficient; and it is rather remarkable, the more refinement, the less punctuality. No doubt but the wearing of costly array is, in great part, the cause. It is to be feared we are self-worshippers, presenting ourselves before the mirror when we ought to be in school; and often have I seen these idolaters creeping in half an hour behind time; and where this is the case, sure enough their whole class is late also. These annoyances are grievous to any considerate mind. The writer has been connected with schools upwards of twenty years, and can say that, on the average, not one minute per year has he lost by being late. This may be regarded as boasting, but it is what every teacher ought to aim at. It will be sad for us, if we are one minute behind at the last. Of course I am writing on the supposition that Sunday-school teachers are Christians; and while I say, remember thyself, let us not forget these high attainments,--fellowship and communion with God. Having made these remarks, I will now ask you to remember the children entrusted to your care. Supposing, then, we are all assembled, the opening services performed, and ourselves prepared with suitable lessons, our next business is to instil into the youthful mind sound Bible principles. This sometimes is really a hard task; but often this is so for want of care on the part of the teacher. It is one part of our business to study the dispositions of children; and to neglect this is highly injurious, and detrimental to our object. I have often stood like a spy in the Sunday-school, and have been both amused and grieved at what I have seen. There is a poor ignorant boy yonder, dull in learning, and the questions by the teacher are hard. The boy's temper begins to rise, because of the hard questions and stern looks of his teacher. The teacher begins to show his authority by staring,-his eyes open wider than usual,—and muttering a little. The boy also shows his Consequently, there's no good done. This might have been avoided had the teacher considered and selected a proper lesson. resentment. And let us remember, if a child's mind is biassed and set against us, our efforts, ever after, will be disregarded. In my school experience for more than twenty years, I have endeavoured to rule by love; and, thanks to God, in every instance I have been victorious; and I often think I could conquer the worst wretch. I can assure my reader I love my boys, and my boys love me; and the fact is, if we cannot instil into their minds right principles by kindness, we shall never do it at all; and I think, if we only try, prayerfully and affectionately, we shall gain our point. Love begets love; and if we would win them to Christ, we must show them we love them. But, fellow teachers, would we see these children converted to God, we must remember them in our more private devotions; and it would be well if we could get our separate classes by themselves occasionally in some vestry or room, and ask them to bend the knee with us in prayer. Speak of soul matters exclusively on these occasions; tell them of Jesus, and the joys of religion; and depend on it God will bless our efforts. But in proof of God owning such efforts, I have a mind to give you a few extracts from letters now in my possession, from my old scholars to myself. In so doing, my only object is to encourage you in your work of faith and labour of love. Extract No. 1. "Dear Teacher,With much pleasure I received your very kind and affectionate letter; but I am sorry I did not answer it before. I feel much pleasure in being a letter correspondent with you. I spend my Sabbath-days in a godly way: and, by God's help, I will continue to do so. I mean to refrain from all evil companions. I am glad I left home. I have no acquaintances to draw my attention to things that would do me harm; but still, Cardiff is not the place for a young man to go to, unless he take care of himself.-Yours," &c. No. 2. "Dear Teacher,-Let us strive to live near to God. May the Lord always have all our heart, and mind, and soul, and works. Give my love to the Sunday school, and tell them I am as happy as a kingGlory be to God! Yours, &c., G. Salisbury, Sept. 12th." No. 3." My dear Brother,—I don't know how to talk a little to you, but I must begin with the goodness of the Lord; but it is not for me to tell you how great it has been. I feel that I am still bound for glory, and I hope this which the Lord hath appointed me will be the means of leading me nearer to Him. I always think and dream about you; and better than this, I don't forget to pray for you. It often seems sweet, when I am in conversation with you in my dreams; but it will be much sweeter than this when we get safe home to heaven.— Yours, &c., H. Tredegar, Wales, April 2nd." No. 4. "Dear Teacher,-I was glad to receive your advice, and should be glad to receive more of your best advice. I have joined myself to God's people here, we meet in class on Sunday mornings. It is a great help to me, for I feel cheered and blest. I feel the need of more watchfulness and prayer. I want more faith, and more of the love of Christ shed abroad in my heart. I felt the Lord very near to my soul the last week. My great Friend is here; He is my Comforter; He makes me happy wherever I am,-Yours, &c., D. London." No. 5. "Dear Teacher, -For myself, I feel I am not what I ought to be, considering the privileges I have been favoured with; I don't feel that love to Christ as I want. I want more of that peace which passeth understanding, and keeps the mind stayed on Christ. I want to feel Christ abiding in my heart, so as to keep me from wandering away from Him. I want to be more heavenly minded. It seems as though I cannot be passed from death unto life, or else I should not be so easily led away into evil thoughts. If there were no evil in my heart, no evil could come from it. My earnest cry to God is, that He will give me the evidence that I am His child; and give me that peace which He has promised to them that trust in Him. I hope you will unite with me in asking our Father, for he has promised, that whatsoever two or three shall agree to ask in his name, it shall be done.Yours, &c., D. London." Having given these few extracts, I pray that the reader may be stimulated to greater diligence, and holy zeal. The writers of these letters were converted in early days, and at the time of writing they were quite young. But as earth's fairest flowers often fade first, so it was with two of those dear youths. That fatal disease, consumption, carried them home to glory; but now they live above "Where everlasting spring abides, And never withering flowers." Besides these, there is a greater number in this neighbourhood on their way to heaven, who, when they were converted were only children. One, now a local preacher, was converted when eleven years of age. Brethren and Sisters,-These are pledges of God's faithfulness. Has he not promised, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy?" Psalm cxxvi. 5, 6. We shall not labour in vain, nor spend our strength for nought; only let us act our part, and God will do his. But some one may say, I have tried every means, and it has been a failure. Never mind; try again. It may be some of your scholars have shown signs of contrition, but your hopes of them have been again blasted. Then hope again. Others have walked with you some distance in the heavenly journey, but have fallen; then help them up again. And although you may be disappointed in some instances, your own soul will be the more blessed. But before I conclude, I would direct my reader's mind to the future reward, which is certain-perfect-permanent. The summit will soon be gained, and we shall be landed safe. Then" they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever," Dan. xii. 3. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Cor. XV. 58. D. BURGESS. Temperance. EXTRACT FROM MR. T. HEYWOOD'S LECTURE ON TEMPERANCE, AT PENTONVILLE, MARCH 11, 1869. MR. HEYWOOD then argued in favour of the Temperance movement from a scriptural basis. He said: "I am sorry to have to state that we have Christian men, Christian women, and even ministers of religion who put forward a plea for these drinks, because they can't find anything about Teetotalism in the Bible. Now, I say the very opposite of that (hear, hear). I say that the grand old Book, from the first chapter in Genesis to the last in Revelation, wherever it touches this question, it teaches us to cease to do evil, and learn to do well.' The spirit of the Bible's teaching with regard to our question, is to show those who take alcoholic drinks, whenever and wherever it may be, that however righteous or high in position they may be in other respects, they are liable to fall into the sin of drunkenness. As regards texts, I will say this, that if you allow me time for preparation, I will preach you a Temperance sermon from any text in the Bible you may choose to select, and would preach according to the true spirit and teaching, not only of the text itself. but of the whole revealed Word. True it is that we have instances in which these drinks were partaken of by the best men who ever lived; but the results were not satisfactory: it is so in our own day. Just in proportion as a minister dabbles with strong drink, just so will his work be neutralised and his example pernicious. Then again, we have religious people who tell us, that if intoxicating drinks were not intended for the use of man, God would never have sent them. I deny that God did send them as firmly as I declare that they are the fiendish invention of man. The drinks of God are free from any intoxicating properties whatever, from the ripe, clustering fruit to pure and sparkling water. You may search heaven and earth, and you will not find in all creation one single particle of alcohol in a natural state. Nature has to die and become decomposed before alcohol comes into existence. We have, in the Scripture, wine recommended to make glad the heart of man. So also have we other prescriptions. If you take the one I have mentioned, you must take the other contained in the same verse, viz., oil to make his face to shine' (laughter). Prove to me that that wine which makes glad the heart of man, does not make the heart of man sorrowful. Then, I know there are some of you who have a stock argument, and it has been so often answered that I am almost ashamed to allude to it. St. Paul was, though the last, yet the greatest of the apostles. He was a splendid teacher, great in intellect and thought; and Paul, you say, recommended Timothy to take a little wine and if Paul, the apostle and great divine, did this, surely I am justified in taking wine. I am about to make a bold statement, and it is this-Paul never did recommend Timothy to take wine; never! It is not in the Book. I will |