The next moment she had torn it open and read it. It was dated months
ago, within a week, indeed, of the discovery of his shame. ‘I have done
you a grievous wrong, Margaret; let me now do you one good service. It
is but a little word of advice, yet if you knew what it cost me to give
it, you would hold it of some value. Frank Dennis is worth a thousand
of me and loves you—I cannot bring myself to write with a truer love
than mine, for that is impossible—but with a love more worthy of you.
Marry him, Margaret, and forget me!’

It could not have mattered much, as has been said. The man was a
bankrupt; but still he had given her all he had to give, a quittance.

With Aunt Margaret’s fortunes, as apart from the misguided youth who in
so strange a manner had almost linked her lot with his, our story has
little to do. My own impression is that she was a happy wife; and it is
quite certain that Frank Dennis was the best of husbands. Mr. Erin did
not long survive his day of humiliation, though it was not, I think,
distress of mind that hastened his end so much (as often happens) as
the relinquishment of his old pursuits and favourite studies. When we
have ridden a hobby-horse all our lives, it is no wonder that when it
is suddenly taken from us we find that we have lost the use of our legs.

Some embers of his old taste for antiquities must still, indeed, have
glowed within him, for in those last days he wrote a ‘History of the
Inns of Court,’ with New Inn among them; but it is plain his heart was
not in it. Henceforth his favourite volume was a sealed book to him;
there were two names—once so frequent on his tongue—to which he never
alluded, William Henry Erin and William Shakespeare.

With respect to the former, Frank Dennis maintained a similar reticence
for no less than five-and-twenty years. At the expiration of that
time, Aunt Margaret received a certain letter, which she placed in her
husband’s hands without a word.

‘Poor fellow!’ was his remark when he had read it. ‘Well! we must, of
course, go up to town.’

William Henry had written from his sick bed to ask to see Margaret once
more before he died.

They had lived in the country ever since their marriage, but they set
out for London at once.

It was summer-time, the very month in which they had journeyed to
Stratford-on-Avon more than a quarter of a century ago, and they talked
of that time together without any reserve.

‘I think if it had not been for that visit to Bristol,’ said Frank
thoughtfully, ‘that none of this sad business would have happened; it
was Chatterton’s story that put it into his head.’ Margaret nodded
sorrowful assent. She remembered well how the unhappy lad had defended
his prototype’s conduct.

‘It was a miserable crime,’ she said, ‘and miserably has he suffered
for it.’

‘That is all we need think of now, Margaret; of that, and of his
temptation,’ he added tenderly, ‘which, as I can witness, was
excessive.’

Here was, indeed, a husband to thank heaven for, and she knew it. And
yet—and yet—the tears were in her eyes upon another’s account. How
bright and handsome had her Willie looked as he took his seat by her
side at the inn table, on that other journey. How eager had been his
face when he had first pressed his suit in Anne Hathaway’s garden. In
the mist of memory the will-of-the-wisp looms large and twinkles like a
very star.

When they reached London, Margaret went alone to the lodging he had
indicated; a poor place enough, but with no signs of want about it
as she had feared, nor did the sick man lack due tendance. He was
very near his end; but his eyes—all that was left of him that she
recognised—flashed grateful recognition.

[Illustration: ’SO GOOD OF YOU, SO LIKE YOU, MARGARET,’ HE MURMURED.]

‘So good of you, so like you, Margaret,’ he murmured.

She sat by him a long time, overwhelmed with pity, but not seldom
distressed by his worldly talk. The ruling passion was strong in death.
He spoke of his works—of which he had written many in his own name,
and of the recognition which he felt assured they would one day meet
with; he even told her, with a smile of triumph, that Malone himself
had bidden one hundred and thirty guineas for the forged Shakespeare
documents. He seemed unable to take a just view of his own behaviour
in that transaction, though as to others, he was not only just but
generous.

‘Dear Margaret,’ were his last failing words to her: ‘I once gave you
a piece of advice, the only thing I had to give—which you did well
to follow. I have nothing but the thanks of a dying man to offer you
for your having come to bid me farewell, save what I have now to
say—which I well know will be news to you. I have been an unfortunate,
as well as a misguided, man; my talents have never been acknowledged,
and if I had had to live by my wits alone, I should have starved—yes,
starved!’ His sharp face darkened, and he raised his feeble hands as
if in protest against the judgment of the world. ‘There was one man,
Margaret, one among all these millions, and he the very last to whom
I should have looked for aid, who caused me to be sought out and gave
me help. I have lived more or less upon his bounty ever since. He has
never told you of it, Margaret; and now there is no need to tell you;
you who know him can guess who it is.’

Margaret’s tears fell fast; it was touching indeed to hear of her
husband’s goodness from the lips of his dying rival.

‘Frank is very good to me, dear Willie,’ she sobbed.

‘Yes, yes, I knew it would be so,’ he murmured; ‘honest and true. What
is the breath of the world to him who will not even let it know of
his good deeds. Yes, yes—kiss me, kiss me for the last time—worth a
thousand of me, Margaret, though he was never the Talk of the Town.’

THE END.

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and a sixpence; the monitors half-a-crown; and the other boys a
shilling each. The removal of this famous school to the country will
possibly put an end to the function. The glass of wine has become a
diminishing quantity in recent years; for, thanks to the activity of
a friend at court, lemonade was introduced as an alternative a few
years back, and now the teetotal boys have no hesitation in availing
themselves of this beverage. The preacher of the Spital sermon this
year is to be a life-long abstainer, the Bishop of Carlisle.

COMING EVENTS.

The programmes for the May meetings are now nearing completion.
The Church of England Temperance Society announces as speakers the
Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Chichester, the Bishop of
Thetford, and the Rev. Dr. Ridgeway; the National Temperance League
relies upon the Archbishop of Canterbury, Mr. T. W. Russell, M.P.,
Mr. John Colville, M.P., the Rev. George Hanson, B.D., and Miss
Agnes Weston; while Sir George Williams will preside for the United
Kingdom Band of Hope Union. The annual meetings of the Scottish
Temperance League will be held in Glasgow on April 17th; the annual
meeting of the Sussex Band of Hope Union will take place at Lewes
on April 26th; a social meeting of the Young Men's Auxiliary of the
National Temperance League will be held in Sion College on April
21st; the Hackney and East Middlesex Band of Hope Union will give
a reception in honour of its new President, the Dowager Countess
of Errol, on April 20th. The usual open-air demonstrations in the
London parks, promoted by the United Temperance Council will take
place on Saturday, June 17th. The Rev. F. B. Meyer will preach the
annual sermon of the Congregational Total Abstinence Society. The
Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs. Temple will give a Garden Party
at Lambeth Palace on July 1st to meet the official advocates of the
temperance movement. The Norwich Diocesan temperance anniversary
will be held at Norwich from October 17th to October 24th inclusive.

[Illustration: (_Photo: Russell and Sons, Baker Street, W._)

THE BISHOP OF LLANDAFF.]

TOTAL ABSTAINING BISHOPS.

A few weeks ago the Lord Bishop of Llandaff agreeably surprised the
temperance workers of Cardiff by announcing that he had definitely
decided to try total abstinence. It may not be generally known that
the Right Rev. H. J. Foss, who has recently been consecrated Bishop
of Osaka, is an abstainer, and has been an active temperance worker
during the whole of his twenty years' residence in Japan. The Bishop
of Islington and the Bishop of Southampton are also total abstainers.

[Illustration: (_Photo: Cassell and Co., ltd._)

THE BRADFORD TEMPERANCE HALL.]

THE FIRST TEMPERANCE HALL IN THE WORLD.

The city of Bradford claims to possess the first Temperance Hall
in the world. The foundation stone was laid on Monday, March 13th,
1837, and the building was opened on February 27th, 1838, by the
Bishop of Ripon, Dr. Longley (who in succession became Bishop of
Durham, Archbishop of York, and Archbishop of Canterbury). This
famous building is still in regular use, the Bradford Temperance
Society being one of the most vigorous associations in the country.
A unique feature of the hall is a very handsome painted window
in memory of the late John Priestman. It is a four-light window,
and contains four female figures robed in mediÃ¦val costumes, and
representing "Religion," "Temperance," "Health," and "Prosperity."
Above the central light is an effective portrait of Mr. Priestman.
Mr. George Field in his interesting "Historical Survey of the
Bradford Temperance Society," says:--

"The hall of this, the first temperance society in England, has
been a battle-field for many conflicts with drink, and some of the
greatest orators have made its walls re-echo with their oratory.
It has had amongst its friends and workers some of the best men
and women of Bradford. By its agency many a degraded sot has been
rescued and restored to respectability in society, but while the
curse of drink remains the work will have to go on."

SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR SCHOOL & HOME INTERNATIONAL SERIES

With Illustrative Anecdotes and References.

APRIL 16TH.--=Jesus Teaching Humility.=

_To read--St. John xiii. 1-17. Golden Text--Ver. 15._

So far have had Christ's _active_ life coupled with His
teachings. Come now to His _passive_ life just before the close.
To-day's lesson--a sort of active parable--teaching His giving up
Himself for man.

=I. The Washing= (1-11). _The time._ Just before Christ's last
Passover. Supper being "at hand" (Revised Version); washing taking
place before a meal (St. Mark vii. 3). Always known as the "Last
Supper" or Passover Feast. His "hour" for showing Himself fully as
the Saviour was now come.

_The cause_ (ver. 1). Love passing all knowledge (Eph. iii.
19). Shown by its _greatness_--loved to the uttermost; its
_comprehensiveness_--including even Judas; its _lowliness_--doing a
servant's work.

_The act._ Disciples began to dispute which should be the greatest
(St. Luke xxii. 24). Christ shows by His action what His opinion is.
The greatest in His kingdom are they who serve most. Takes towel,
water, basin; washes feet of each in turn. Who declines to accept
the act of service? But unless Peter submits to Christ, can have no
part with Him. He dreads separation from Him, therefore is eager now
to be wholly washed. Christ tells him two things--

(_a_) He cannot understand meaning of this act but will
hereafter--will add to his faith, virtue (or valour), and knowledge
(2 Pet. i. 3).

(_b_) He who is washed, _i.e._ bathed (Greek), in Christ's atoning
blood (Zech. xiii. 1) needs only to "wash" or be washed from daily
sin to be kept clean and holy.

=II. The Meaning= (12-17). _Equality_ in Christ's service. He is
their Master, but delights to serve them. Followers must copy His
example.

_Service._ The spirit of His example to be followed--feeding hungry,
teaching ignorant, visiting the sick and sad (St. Matt. xxv. 35, 36).

_Knowledge._ Life's mysteries to be cleared up hereafter. Duties
now, rewards future.

=Lesson.= Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?

Kindness to the Poor.

     The great general, Sir William Napier, once met a little girl
     in a country lane sobbing over a broken bowl. She had dropped
     it after taking her father's dinner, and expected to be beaten
     for her carelessness. Suddenly a gleam of hope seemed to
     cheer her. "You can mend it, sir," she said, "can't you?" Sir
     William explained that he could not mend it, but could give
     her sixpence to buy another. It chanced, however, that he had
     no money with him, so he promised to meet her at the same time
     and place the next day with a sixpence. On his return home, he
     found an invitation to dinner the next day to meet someone whom
     he specially wished to see. What was he to do? He could not do
     both; but the child had trusted him. He must do his duty to the
     poor before thinking of his own pleasure. So he declined the
     invitation and helped, as he had promised, Christ's little one.

APRIL 23RD.--=Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life.=

_To read--St. John xiv. 1-14. Golden Text--Ver. 6._

Discourse with disciples at Last Supper continued. Peter, boasting
of his steadfastness, been warned of his coming fall, that very
night (xiii. 38), but comforted by thought of heaven to all who come
to God by Him for pardon.

=I. The Many Mansions.= What they are? Abiding places (Greek). This
world passes away--heaven endures. They are many in number--room
for all. Also prepared by Christ for all who believe in Him. Christ
by His death opened heaven to man, and waits there to receive His
people.

=II. The Way to Heaven= (4-7). _Christ the Way._ Came to reveal
this. None else could make atonement. God's holy Son alone could, by
dying for sin, open way to heaven for sinners. He alone lifted up,
gives eternal life (iii. 14, 15).

_Christ the Truth._ Yet charged that night with blasphemy, worst of
all falsehoods, making Himself God (xix. 7). Yet was the perfect
truth. Exposed hypocrisy of chief priests, hollowness of Scribes
and Pharisees (St. Luke xi. 39, 44). Taught the spirit of the
commandments in Sermon on Mount (St. Matt. v. 21, 22, 28, 39, etc.).
Acted truth in His own perfect life. Taught God's truth to men.

_Christ the Life_, though put to death day following. Author of
life; the world made by Him. Gave natural life once more to three
dead persons. Gave spiritual life to Nicodemus, who became disciple;
Samaritan who accepted His teaching (iv. 42). Raised Himself from
the dead, and gives eternal life to as many as believe.

=Lesson.= He that believeth in Me shall not die.

=III. The Father Revealed= (8-14). Cannot be seen by mortal eye (i.
18), but is seen in person of His Son. Christ reveals the person of
the Father full of love and pity to those in need; full of anger
against hypocrites, liars, etc. (viii. 44). Christ also reveals
works of God, miracles of mercy. Same, and even greater, power of
working miracles promised to His disciples after His departure. Also
answers to prayer made to the Father in His name.

So the revelation of the Father shows Him as a loving Person, a
Giver of power, a Hearer of prayer. What more can Philip need?

    =Lesson.= "Thou art coming to a King,
    Large petitions with thee bring."

"Is that All?"

     A wounded soldier in a hospital was visited by a clergyman,
     who saw that his life was fast ebbing out. "Young man," said
     he, "you are soon to die; are you saved from sin?" "No, sir,"
     was the reply; "what must I do?" "'Believe on the Lord Jesus
     Christ, and thou shalt be saved.'" "Say that again," said the
     soldier. It was repeated. Steadily looking at the minister, the
     soldier said, "Is that all?" "Yes, that is all. No man goeth to
     the Father but by Him." Closing his eyes for a few moments, the
     young soldier opened them again and, raising his right hand,
     exclaimed, "Lord Jesus, I surrender." Instantly his face shone
     with brightness, and in a few days the new-born soul went home
     to God.

APRIL 30TH.--=The Comforter Promised.=

_To read--St. John xiv. 15-27. Golden Text--Ver. 16._

Christ continues to comfort and teach His disciples ready for the
time when He must leave them.

=I. The Comforter= (15-17). See the order in the spiritual life.
First faith to believe in Him (ver. 1), then love to cling to Him,
then obedience to work for Him. He will help them. He must leave
them, but will not forget them. Will send Another to be with them
always--the Comforter.

_His person._ Divine in nature; equal to the Father and Son (Acts v.
3, 4).

_His name._ Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit of God.

_His work._ To aid Christ's people. How does He do so? By helping
their prayers (Rom. viii. 26). By giving counsel, _e.g._ showing how
to speak to adversaries (St. Matt. x. 19, 20), of which Stephen is
an example (Acts vi. 10). By strengthening their souls to do right;
hence called the Comforter or Strengthener. Also by revealing the
things of God.

=11. The Result= (18-27). Consolations of Christ's people. _Comfort_
by His continual presence. _Life_ present and future because of
union with Him.

=Lessons.= 1. Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.

2. If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of His.

MAY 7TH.--=The Vine and the Branches.=

_To read--St. John xv. 1-16. Golden Text--Ver. 5._

This parable one of two only in this Gospel. Spoken in court of
Temple after leaving Passover Feast.

=I. The Parable= (1-8). _The Vine_ itself must be good and true,
planted in soil prepared for it. Husbandman places, cares for, and
watches over it. Unfruitful branches must be cut off, fruitful ones
purged--to produce more fruit--dead ones burned. Much fruit redounds
to glory of husbandman.

_The meaning._ Christ Himself is the true ideal Vine, doing always
such things as please God. The husbandman is God, who placed Him in
the world (iii. 16) and watched over Him (St. Matt. iii. 17). The
branches are believers joined to Him by living faith. Fruit--the
graces of a Christian life.

What are results of union with Christ the Vine? _Life_ to the
soul from life of Christ. _Fruit_ outward result of inward life.
_Answers_ to prayer. Christ and His people alike heard. _Glory_ to
God the Father.

=II. Results of Union= (9-16). Metaphor dropped. Christ urges
disciples to continue in His love. Then they will have _full joy_;
_love_ to all arising from love to Him; _friendship_ of Christ as
evidenced by His death for them; _knowledge_ because of revelation
of Father. _Permanence_ of results.

=Lesson.= Are we truly joined to Christ? What fruit is seen in our
lives?

Joy through Faith.

     Bunyan, in "The Pilgrim's Progress," pictures Christiana as
     saying to Mercy, "What was the matter that you did laugh in your
     sleep last night?" And Mercy said, "But are you sure I laughed?"
     When she told her dream, Christiana said, "Laugh, ay, well you
     might to see yourself so well." She laughed because she dreamed
     that she had been welcomed into glory. To faith this is no
     dream. Saved by grace, adopted by the Father, united to the Son,
     taught by the Spirit, we have joy in the soul now and a good
     hope of glory hereafter.

MAY 14TH.--=Christ Betrayed and Arrested.=

_To read--St. John xviii. 1-14. Golden Text--Is. liii. 3._

Christ's hour now come--has finished teachings--must go forth to
die. Path of sorrow to be trod--He does not shrink.

=I. Christ Betrayed= (1-11). _The place._ The garden or olive
orchard of Gethsemane. Note that Christ went forth of His own will,
knowing all before Him. Also He went not for concealment, but for
prayer.

_The band._ Judas, His disciple, their leader. A band of Roman
soldiers to prevent a tumult, and officers of the Temple police
supplied by chief priests. Also chief priests and elders, and a
mixed rabble (St. Luke xxii. 52). All had common hatred of Jesus of
Nazareth.

_The incidents._ Jesus comes forth with His three disciples,
Peter, James, John. He asks, "Whom seek ye?" Soldiers fall back in
surprise. He asks again--they answer. He asks that disciples may
go their way. Request granted; He lost none. St. Peter with sword
wounds Malchus. Christ heals his ear (St. Luke xxii. 51) and rebukes
Peter. Note the forbearance and majesty of Christ; the loving
impetuosity of St. Peter; the malice of Judas and the gratified
hatred of chief priests.

=II. Christ a Prisoner= (12-14). The soldiers close in. Prisoner
bound because of attempt to rescue. The captain secures Christ,
leads Him to Annas, chief of priests and president of Jewish
Sanhedrim.

=Lessons.= _From Judas._ Beware of covetousness.

_From St. Peter._ The weapons of our warfare are not carnal.

_From Christ._ He loved me and gave Himself for me. What have I
given Him?

Christ Loved Best.

     A martyr was going to be burned for Christ's sake. His friends
     brought out his wife and young children, and made them kneel in
     a long row and ask their father, for their sakes, to deny the
     faith and live. But as he kissed them one by one he said, "I
     would do anything for your sakes that I might live with you, but
     since it is for Christ my Lord's sake, I must tear myself away
     even from you." So he went to the stake.

[Illustration: SHORT ARROWS]

NOTES OF CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK.

A Remarkable Church Doorway.

Clonfert Cathedral, in County Galway, can boast a very remarkable
and ancient doorway, which is regarded as one of the finest
specimens of Hiberno-Romanesque work now in existence. The shafts
and piers present an astonishing variety of decoration; every inch
of its surface has been worked by the sculptor's tool. Above the
rounded archway rises a triangular space filled with many carvings,
while the archway itself consists of several decorated semicircles,
one within the other. Norman and Romanesque porches may be found of
grander proportions; but Brash, in his "Ecclesiastical Architecture
of Ireland," declares that "in point of design and execution" he
had not seen this beautiful porch "excelled by any similar features
in these islands," and specially mentions its beauty of design and
fertility of invention. The Cathedral itself has had a long and
interesting history. It was founded by St. Brendan in the year
558, and suffered greatly from the Danes. It was burnt six times
between 744 and 1179, and was plundered thrice between 949 and
1065. In 1541 it was almost destroyed. Repaired by Bishop Wolley
in 1664, it was subsequently altered and improved to some extent,
but no general work of restoration was done, and consequently it is
in great need of repair. To this work Canon McLarney, the present
rector of Clonfert, has set his hand. Though small, the building is
very beautiful, and is now used as the parish church, the parish of
Clonfert being very large and measuring twenty-seven Irish miles in
circumference. The work of restoration is proceeding in sections
as funds are provided by the public. The chancel has already been
restored, and Canon McLarney hopes to collect a thousand pounds to
complete the work on the nave. One need not leave the British Isles
to see very ancient and interesting structures, and a writer lately
said it would be worth a pilgrimage to Connaught to see Clonfert
doorway alone.

[Illustration: (_Photo: Mr. A. C. White, Clonskea, Dublin._)

A TWELFTH-CENTURY DOORWAY.]

The Westminster Choir Boys.

Nowhere in England do the trained voices of a choir seem to
harmonise more perfectly with the surroundings than in Westminster
Abbey. Architecture, as an old German philosopher once described
it, is but "frozen music" after all. The noble anthems that rise
soaring upwards amongst the fluted columns and giant arches, the
hymns of praise that roll through the long aisles seem, as we listen
to the sacred music, not only to give thanks to Him who "made the
earth so bright," but to Him who gave England such men as lie
in the sculptured tombs around us. Not far from the Abbey--some
three minutes' walk, in fact, through Dean's Yard--stands a
tall, red-brick building. It is the choir school, where live the
twenty-four boys of the choir under the headmastership of Mr.
Arthur Hore. To gain admission, a boy must be at least eight years
of age, possessing a good voice and the knowledge of the rudiments
of music; he will also be expected to read and write fairly. His
examination on these points will be conducted by the master of the
choristers, Sir J. Frederick Bridge, or someone appointed by him. If
he passes satisfactorily, he will become a probationer, paying Â£10
a year towards his expenses; at the end of three years, however, he
will become a recognised member of the Abbey choir, and no further
charge will be made. The internal arrangements of the choir house
are excellent. On the ground floor are the big class-room and the
dining-room. To see the youngsters attacking a joint of roast beef
is a conclusive proof that the boy who sings like a young seraph
is, nevertheless, far from being the wishy-washy individual that he
is often represented to be in some poems and sentimental novels. On
the second floor is another big class-room containing the school
library. Walter Scott is there, and rows of well-thumbed volumes
of Henty. Many years ago Princess Alice gave a present of books to
the school. For some time they were kept ceremoniously shut up in a
glass case. The present headmaster, however, recognising that the
kind donor would have strongly objected to such a foolish use being
made of the volumes, placed them in the library for general use. On
the third floor are the plain, clean dormitories with their rows of
little iron beds and the regulation striped rugs over all.

[Illustration: (_Photo: Russell and Sons, Baker Street, W._)

DR. BRIDGE AND THE WESTMINSTER CHOIR BOYS.]

A Chinese Y.M.C.A.

Amid the discouragements which the recent revolution in Pekin
has occasioned to those concerned in China's welfare--for the
movement in question is manifestly anti-reform, anti-foreign,
and consequently anti-Christian--there are many signs that such
opposition cannot radically hinder this country's enlightenment.
Such a sign is the progress of the Y.M.C.A. movement among Chinese
youths, which is assuming considerable importance, especially in
connection with mission schools. It was found desirable to invite
from America an experienced worker in this department; and though
it will be some time before this gentleman can speak Chinese,
there is no difficulty in the matter of interpreters, native or
foreign. Yesterday in our large Shanghai mission church--says a
correspondent--there were gathered 200 Chinese boy-scholars from
various mission stations in and near Shanghai, all of whom were
either members of the local Y.M.C.A. or willing to join it. Earnest
addresses were given and prayers offered, both in English and
Chinese, the English addresses being admirably translated by a
Christian Chinaman; while the bright hymn-singing of these strong
young voices was a delightful sound. At the close of the morning
meeting papers were distributed to the boys containing questions to
be answered in writing, and a form, of Christian engagement to be
signed. At the afternoon service many of these were returned most
satisfactorily and intelligently filled in. Such assemblies have
recently been held with much interest and zeal, and apparently solid
results, at Nanking and other centres of missionary work.

The "Metal Man."

At Tramore, near Waterford, a place where the Atlantic breakers
dash with sublime fury against the rocks, there are on one of the
headlands three towers, and on the middle one stands what is called
"The Metal Man." This is a figure made of metal, and painted to
resemble a sailor. With his finger he points to some very dangerous
rocks that are to be shunned. There are rocks in life's troublesome
sea that are ready to shipwreck the bodies and souls of the young.
These we should point out to them with as much diligence as does the
metal man when God has saved us from being shipwrecked upon them.

[Illustration: (_Photo: A. H. Poole and Co., Waterford._)

THE "METAL MAN," TRAMORE.]

A Saint's Rest.

Richard Baxter was all his long life physically weak, and for
fourteen years had scarcely a waking hour free from pain. He felt
himself continually "at the door of eternity." At the close of his
life he said, "Weakness and pain helped me to study how to die; I am
going now to see that for which I have lived and studied." His death
was a fitting end to a life of pain and patience--a fulfilment of
his own words: "After the rough and tempestuous day we shall at last
have the quiet, silent night--light and rest together; the quietness
of the night without its gloom."

The Quiver Pictures.

The six beautiful plates which the readers of THE QUIVER have the
opportunity of acquiring, and the last coupon for which is contained
in this number, are representative examples of the work of some
of the most notable exponents of sacred art among modern British
painters. The names of Leighton and Millais are now familiar in
every household, and great interest attaches to the works from
their hands included in this series of pictures. "The Star of
Bethlehem," by Lord Leighton, was painted in 1862, when the artist
was thirty-two years of age, and four years before his election
as Associate of the Royal Academy. The main figure represents one
of the magi on the terrace of his house, gazing at the miraculous
light which led him and his fellows to search out Him, "who was
born King of the Jews." "Christ in the House of His Parents" is one
of the most wonderful pictures painted by Sir John Millais. It was
exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1850, when the artist was but
twenty years of age, and, as related in the article on "Pictorial
Sermons" in our last number, aroused a storm of discussion among
the critics. The work is a veritable parable in paint, and, as its
allegories are all fully explained in the article referred to, we
need not repeat them here. The picture has great interest, apart
from this, as being one of the best specimens of the work of the
artist's Pre-Raphaelite period. "Christ Washing Peter's Feet," by
Ford Madox Brown, which was presented to the nation by a body of
subscribers; and now hangs in the Tate Gallery at Millbank, is a
typical painting, and one of the most beautiful examples of this
artist's work. Exquisite in colour, it is a perfect specimen of what
a picture dealing with a sacred subject should be. Full of reverence
and piety, it yet illustrates the subject fully; the rugged figure
of the apostle, expressing withal the penitence produced by the
rebuking words, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me,"
contrasts strongly with the humility of the Master kneeling to
His self-imposed task. "The Remorse of Judas," by the late Edward
Armitage, R.A., is another picture to be seen at Millbank, and is,
perhaps, one of the strongest works produced by this artist. The
terror of remorse is expressed in every line of the face of the
betrayer, while the cold indifference of the priests, now that their
work is accomplished, is admirably portrayed. "The Raising of the
Widow's Son of Nain," by W. C. T. Dobson, R.A., was shown at the
Academy in 1868, and fully explains itself. The joy of the mother
and the surprise of the beholders of the miracle are well rendered;
but the main interest of the picture, of course, centres in the
boy. His gaze is fixed upon Him whose voice has recalled him from
the "valley of the shadow." The last picture of the series, by W.
Dyce, R.A., was recently added to the national collection, and was
removed from Trafalgar Square to Millbank when the new gallery was
completed. It represents the Apostle John taking Mary to his own
home after the death of their Lord. Mary carries on her arm the
crown of thorns, and in the background may be seen Nicodemus and
Joseph of Arimathea, who are just leaving the garden which contains
the sepulchre. Mary Magdalene and the "other Mary" are seen seated
at the mouth of the grave. The picture was painted in 1860.

Public Charity.

According to a recent calculation, the amount given during
the previous year by Churchmen towards Christian work of all
kinds, such as Church Building, Home Missions, Foreign Missions,
Education, etc., was over Â£5,750,000. The various Presbyterian
Churches contributed during the same time for similar work a sum of
Â£1,600,000, and the Wesleyans gave over Â£500,000; the Calvinistic
Methodists about Â£228,500; the Baptists over Â£200,000; and the
Primitive Methodists over Â£100,000. Of the Congregationalists and
the "Friends" no such statistics are available, and it is estimated
that other branches of the Christian Church in England gave an
aggregate of not less than Â£150,000 towards the same work. Generally
speaking, all the different bodies contribute in a fairly equal
proportion, directly or indirectly, to the different kinds of
Christian work--at any rate, sufficiently so for the comparison we
wish to make here. So, taking the Church of England's returns as
our standard, we find that these proportions are nearly as follows,
1 being our unit:--Church Building and Repairs, 35; Home Missions,
7; Foreign Missions, 10; Educational Work of all kinds, 20; various
Charitable Works of other kinds, 6.

[Illustration: DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING PUBLIC CHARITY.]

  _The church_       (1) _represents the money spent in building
        places of worship._
  _The mission room_ (2)     "         "       "       _home mission work._
  _The native hut_   (3)     "         "       "       _foreign
        mission work._
  _The school_       (4)     "         "       "       _educational work._
  _The hall_         (5)     "         "       "       _other general
        charitable work._

A New Quiver Heroine.

The latest recipient of the Bronze Medal of THE QUIVER Heroes Fund
is Annie Healand, a servant in the employ of Mr. Frederick Latham,
of Sledmere. On the afternoon of January 28th last, two little boys
and a girl were suddenly immersed beneath the ice whilst sliding
on a pond. On hearing of this, Annie Healand, who is herself but
fifteen years of age, immediately rushed to the rescue, and,
plunging in, succeeded in bringing the little girl to the bank. She
then endeavoured to find the two boys, who were still under the ice,
but was at last reluctantly compelled to give up the search, through
being overcome by the intense cold. The bodies of the lads were
afterwards found, and the coroner congratulated the brave girl for
the very plucky manner in which she had rescued one of the party and
attempted to save the others.

International League of Peace.

We are still daily receiving the names of numbers of new members,
and one roll of signatures which has just come to hand measures
thirty feet in length. Any number of blank forms will be gladly
sent, post free, to those requiring them. We may take this
opportunity of announcing that the first member to send in a
thousand signatures is Mr. John N. Munro, of 50, Park Road, Glasgow,
to whom a cheque for Ten Pounds has been sent, in accordance with
our offer.

ROLL OF HONOUR FOR SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORKERS.

The =Special Silver Medal= and =Presentation Bible= offered for the
longest known Sunday-school service in the county of =Devonshire=
(for which applications were invited up to February 28th, 1899) have
been gained by

  LOUISA JANE LARGE,
  Cross Street, Northam, Bideford,

who has distinguished herself by =sixty-two= complete years' service
in Northam Church Sunday School.

As already announced, the next territorial county for which claims
are invited for the Silver Medal is

  KENT,

and applications, on the special form, must be received on or before
March 30th, 1899. We may add that =Cheshire= is the following county
selected, the date-limit for claims in that case being April 30th,
1899. This county, in its turn, will be followed by the territorial
county of =Somersetshire=, for which the date will be one month
later--viz. May 31st, 1899.

AN INTERESTING LETTER.

The following letter, received from the Devonshire Silver Medallist,
of whom particulars are given above, will doubtless be interesting
to all our readers, and especially to Sunday school workers:--

     "In sending the enclosed certificates I should like to add that
     I began my career as a Sunday school teacher at the age of ten,
     with a class of four little girls, and proud enough I was. That
     was some time in the year 1836. From that date to the present
     (1899), I have been teaching continuously in the same school,
     except when occasional illness or absence from home for a few
     Sundays made a break. I am now teaching the grandchildren of
     former scholars. Many changes have I seen; such a difference
     in the teaching and general management of Sunday schools since
     1836! Only two or three individuals are now living who were with
     us when I began my work."

THE QUIVER FUNDS.

The following is a list of contributions received from February
1st, 1899, up to and including February 28th, 1899. Subscriptions
received after this date will be acknowledged next month:--

     For _"The Quiver" Waifs' Fund_: J. J. E. (135th donation),
     5s.; Anglo-Indian, 5s.; M. R. B., Ipswich, 4s. 2d.; C. E. H.,
     3s. 6d.; A Glasgow Mother (105th donation), 1s.; E. A. W.,
     Petersfield, 2s. 6d.

     For _Dr. Barnardo's Homes_: An Irish Girl, Â£1; E. J. L.,
     Glenageary, 10s.; X. J., 10s. 6d. The following amounts have
     been sent direct:--A Well-Wisher, Â£2; Lila Noel, Â£1; G. C., 8s.;
     P. P. O., 5s.; Ruth L., Â£1.

     For _The Hospital for Women_: A Thank-Offering, 1s.

     For _The Leper's Mission Fund_: Two Jersey QUIVER Readers, 4s.
     6d.

[Illustration: decorative]

THE QUIVER BIBLE CLASS.

(BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCRIPTURE LESSONS.)

QUESTIONS.

61. What did our Lord do as a rebuke to His Apostles when they
disputed among themselves as to who should be the greatest?

62. In the discourse at the Last Supper, what did our Lord say is to
be the distinctive mark of all His disciples? Quote passage.

63. In what words did Jesus warn St. Peter of the temptation which
awaited him?

64. By what promise did our Lord seek to comfort His Apostles on the
eve of His crucifixion?

65. Which of the Apostles seems to have been very slow in
comprehending the divinity of our Lord?

66. Quote some words from our Lord's answer to St. Philip in which
He clearly declares His Godhead?

67. What does our Lord say is the true test of our love to Him?

68. What is the great blessing Christ gives as the result of the
influence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts?

69. What is the general purport of our Lord's parable of the Vine?

70. What does our Lord give as the greatest proof of true love?

71. What was the position of the garden of Gethsemane?

72. From what circumstances do we gather that the Jews expected
great difficulty in arresting our blessed Lord?

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON PAGE 480.

49. In the parable of the Sheepfold our Lord speaks of a porter who
had charge of the door, and of a thief climbing over a fence (St.
John x. 1-3).

50. St. John x. 9.

51. Our Lord speaks of Himself as the Good Shepherd, who giveth His
life for the sheep, while the Jewish teachers, as hirelings, cared
not for them (St. John x. 11-14).

52. St. John vii. 15.

53. St. John v. 39.

54. Turning the water into wine and healing the nobleman's son (St.
John ii. 1-11 and iv. 46-54).

55. The fact that the body had been buried three days.

56. That it was done to increase the faith of the Apostles by
showing them that there was no limitation to the power of Christ
(St. John xi. 15).

57. So many Jews believed in Christ that the chief priests thought
of killing Lazarus as well as Jesus (St. John xi. 47-53 and xii. 10,
11).

58. Because it would seem that Martha was hostess at the house of
Simon the Leper, where Mary, her sister, anointed our Lord with the
precious ointment of spikenard (compare St. John xii. 1-3 with St.
Mark xiv. 3).

59. St. John tells us that Judas Iscariot acted as treasurer for our
Lord and His disciples, but that he was a thief (St. John xii. 6 and
xiii. 29).

60. Caiaphas prophesied that Jesus should die (St. John xi. 39).

Transcriber's note:

Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).

Text enclosed by equal signs is in bold face (=bold=).

Small capital text has been replaced with all capitals.

Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.
Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have been retained as
printed.

Missing page numbers are page numbers that were not shown in the
original text.

Mismatched quotes are not fixed if itâs not sufficiently clear where
the missing quote should be placed.

The cover for the eBook version of this book was created by the
transcriber and is placed in the public domain.

The hymns are handwritten on pages 483, 534, 535 and 536. There are
handwritten signatures by Arthur H. Brown on page 536, and John
Stainer on page 538.

Page 508 and following: The chapter titles in the section "For the
Sake of the Child" are in handwritten script.

Page 559: "in the evening--Nos. 500 and 532--and"--the number 500 is
unclear.

Page 560: "must be obtained from the office, 36,"--the number 36 is
unclear.