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effect an entrance, and left immediately for the Garden of "Gethsemane," at which place we gained admittance through the kindness of an aged Padra, who resides within the enclosure during the daytime, admits visitors and explains every thing, and points out such places therein as are of general interest to the curious traveller. We plucked a Rose, a sprig of Thyme, and two other sprigs, the names of which we could not ascertain from the gardener, and have them preserved.

After bidding adieu to the "Garden of Gethsemane," and to the kind and attentive Padra who pointed out everything of interest to us, we bent our course to the "Mount of Olives," which is hard by. On arriving on the Mount we were shown what we were told was the Dent in the Rock, made by the left foot of the Saviour at the time of ascension. The foot-print is natural and the writer does not believe it to be the work of art. We next ascended the Tower or "Minerette," from which place we had a fine view of the city of "Jerusalem and the Mosque of Omar." This is the only sight we, or any of the party, had of the "Mosque of Omar," as no Christian can effect an entrance within the consecrated walls. The outside appearance of the Mosque is splendid, beautiful, creating within the mind of the traveller an anxiety to see the inside, even at the risk of an expulsion, forcible as it might be. Leaving the mount, we again descended in the valley of "Jehoshaphat," and paid a visit to the Tomb of Absalom, which we found filled with stones, having been thrown there by the passing Jews. Tradition says that every passing Jew throws into the Tomb a stone and utters the execration, "Cursed be he who wars against his father or disobeys his commands." The reader will recollect that Absalom the son of David the King, warred against his father while he was on the Throne, in order that he, the son, might inherit the crown and be raised to the throne in his father's stead; for this cause or reason the Jews are at enmity with his resting place. A few rods farther on down the valley are the tombs of Jacob and Zacharias side by side; the one a towering monument, the other a large vault, cut from the solid rock, with numerous chambers and halls. From this place we descended the valley farther and came to a large pool or well, wherein, about five hundred feet below the ground, we found the natives washing sheep. We asked our guide the name of the place, when to our astonishment we were told that it was the well of the Virgin Mary; the holy well consecrated to the use of that holy mother; the mother of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the thought of which should be enough to inspire man to keep it holy. Yet, with all this, observe the use made of it by those into whose hands it has fallen an inheritance. The Pool of Siloam, which we next visited, shows no other marks than those of utter neglect. The water within the pool has turned green, and it is filled with mud, presenting a spectacle disgusting to the traveller to behold.

EDITORIAL SEED-THOUGHTS.

"GATHER UP THE FRAGMENTS THAT REMAIN, THAT NORHING BE-LOST.”

BLESSINGS AND INGRATITUDE.

The barren tree in the orchard, and the fruitless tree in the far off desert, the unproductive rocky soil-on these, as well as on fruitful trees and fruitful fields, fall the rains and dews of heaven, and shines the genial sun. Even so do the wicked and ungrateful share in many of the common blessings of our heavenly father. The very world in which they live is preserved in hope, by the virtue of the mercy and mediation of Jesus Christ. Its cities, like those of Sodom and Gomorrah, are saved because of the righteous that are in them. The moral public sentiment, which gives security to property, and sustains the peace of society, is the fruit of the influence of Christianity; and yet, how many there are who in no way acknowledge the power that blesses them, nor make any returns in heart and life, for these mercies received. O, base ingratitude!

entering the city. Peter asked him who he was and where he was going? He answered: "I am Jesus, and am going to Rome to be denied and crucified a second time." Peter was struck to the heart, and went back willing to die for the faith.

THE WORD OF GOD.

The farmer may sow good seed into good and well prepared ground and fence it well, yet it will not produce unless influences from above come down upon it-the warmth of the sun, the rain and the dew. So ministers may preach good doctrines, but it will not

be effectual if heaven withholds its sun of righteousness, and the softening showers and dews of its grace. That these may come let the hearer of it earnestly pray.

HATRED OF GOD.

Sinners are not conscious of hating God, because it is not a direct hatred. It is rather a withdrawal of their thoughts and love from Him, to the world which is loved more. It is their love of the world more than of Him, which makes them at enmity with God. It is rather contempt than direct hatred. It is in consequence of the warmth of affection being drawn to some objects in the world that God is set at a cold and neglected distance. But this silent neglect of One who so well claims our positive love, is only the greater sin, as silent contempt is the worst contempt of all. God would rather have us cold than luke-warm; as it is greater honor to Him to be openly opposed and resisted than to be treated as worthy of no attention at all.

WEAK FAITH.

Tradition says that when Peter was condemned to martyrdom at Rome, he escaped from the hand of his enemies, his faith failing. When he came to the gate of Rome, he met a man looking sorrowful with a cross upon his shoulder,

HUMILITY,

Fruit trees that never berar fruit have straight branches, extending proudly upwards; but those which are fruitful do bend their branches humbly toward the earth. Mark that man whose heart and features are wont to uplift themselves-he is proud and empty. Mark that man who like the limbs of a loaded fruit tree, doth bend toward the earth— he is humble and rich in good fruits.

VIRTUE.

A young minister, preaching in the morning, commenced his sermon by saying, "If virtue were clothed in a human form, and would walk among men, it would appear to them so lovely that all would worship it." An old minister, preaching in the same pulpit in the afternoon, began by saying: "Virtue once took a human form, and walked among men, and they crucified it."

PENITENCE.

It is said that when Peter was to die a martyr to the truth as it in Jesus at Rome, he requested that they should not crucify him with his head upwards, but with his head downward, because

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ANNA CLAYTON, or The Inquirer after Truth: By Rev. Francis Marion Dimmick, A. M. Philada., Lindsay & Blakiston, 1859. pp. 427.

This work, in the form of a tale, is devoted to the discussion of a theological question; namely Baptism. Though written in a popular and easy style, it is earnestly controversial, and enters at all points into the questions at issue between Baptists and Pedo baptists.

Several popular works written in a similar vein have been published during late years by Baptist authors; to these this is intended to be an antidote from the other side. An extract from the preface will give the reader the best idea of the immediate occasion, and the nature of the work. "The arguments contained in this work," says the author, "were mainly presented in a series of letters to a Sister-Mis Diantha Dimmick Reynolds-who was then unsettled on the subject herein discussed, and was seeking how to know the Bible truth of the matter. She was flooded with Bap-. tist documents, but was unwilling to endorse their views until she had carefully and intelligently investigated the whole subject. She requested me to come to her assistance in meeting and examining the arguments and doctrines laid before

her." The author did so she was convinced by the views and arguments presented-and with her aid, they have been popularized and finally presented in this present treatise. Any one who desires to examine this controversy, will find in this book a compact presentation of the argument in favor of infant Baptism, and the objections usually made to it answered. Also, a discussion of the subject of close communion. The author writes in a clear and vigorous style, and presents his matter threaded in an interesting story, which allures the reader very pleasantly along, through even the most obtruse discussions. The book is neat

ly done up by the enterprising publishers, Lindsay & Blakiston, a house whose style of publication is deservedly pop

ular.

THE NEW AMERICAN CYCLOPÆDIA: A popular Dictionary of General Knowledge. Edited by George Ripley and Charles A. Dana. New York: D. Ap pleton & Co., 346 and 348 Broadway. London: 16 Little Britain. 1859. This is properly called the NEw Cyclopædia, for it is not a mere compillation from old works of the kind. Whilst

it makes use of the old, as it must, to be worthy of respect, it does not transfer them in a wholesale and undigested way,

but reproduces them, incorporating at the same time the latest results of advancing knowledge and science. Besides, the learned and industrious authors have added numerous subjects not treated in the old Encyclopædias. This, more than anything else, makes it valuable to students and the general reader; especially since, on account of the wonderful advance of all science within the last several decades, many new subjects have been added to the previous treasures of knowledge. The authors have also included notices of many prominent living men. With this feature some critics have been disposed to find fault, without having assigned, so far as we have seen, any solid reason. We are at a loss to see why we should blame the authors, or think less of their work, for giving us this additional information in a work, which in all other respects is not on that account any the less full and satisfactory. Especially when it is remembered that it is precisely this kind of information which it is most difficult for each one to gather for himself. We naturally have some curiosity to know something of the life and labors of those men, cotemporary with us, in whom an account of their public positions, we cannot but be more or less interested, and we can see no sin against science in seeking to satisfy it.

While this work deserves the title New, it no less properly takes to itself the name, AMERICAN CYCLOPÆDIA. By American compilers, the articles mostly prepared by American Scholars, published by an American House, it reflects honor on American scholarship and enterprise. Besides, it is peculiarly rich and full in the treatment of all American subjects; while it enables us to see foreign subjects treated in the light and view of American Scholars.

We believe this mammoth work is to be completed in XVI volumes. Thus the VIIIth volume brings us half way. This volume, like its predecessors, gives us nearly 800 large closely printed pages, with over 1600 subjects treated in it. Former volumes contained over 2000. At an average of 2000 a volume, the whole work when complete will give us about 32,000 subjects. What a library! Nothing, besides a faithful treatment, can produce a higher estimate of its value. Its mechanical execution is worthy of its contents. Elias Barr &

Co., Lancaster, are agents for this work. $3 per volume, in cloth binding. THE GOSPEL IN LEVITICUS; or, An Exposition of the Hebrew Ritual. By Joseph A. Seiss, D. D., author of "Lectures on the Epistle to the Hebrews," "The Last Times," etc. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston, 1860. pp. 403.

The title gives a correct idea of the contents of this book. It is the aim of the author to trace Christ and "the great salvation" in the types, shadows, and ceremonies of the Law, and he has done his work well. It is not a running commentary on the Book of Leviticus, but the different parts of it are grouped, and the substance brought out in a series of discourses. Those who are in the habit of regarding this book as an arid region of obsolete laws and ceremonies, will here find that every part of it is now, as ever, fertile with life and doctrine, precept and promise, reproof and warning. Dr. Seiss writes in a vigorous and clear style, and always with an earnest, practical object in view. The book is printed on large clear type and good white paper-and it is pleasant to the eye as well as instructive to the mind to wander over its pages.

A DISCOURSE ON

THE REFORMATION: By Rev. R. P. Thomas, A. M., Chambersburg, Pa. Moses Kieffer & Co., 1859. pp. 36.

This discourse was prepared by special appointment of the Westmoreland Classis of the German Reformed Church, and delivered before that body at its annual meeting, October 7th, 1859, and published at their request. The discourse is prepared with care, and gives a clear and condensed account of the beginning, progress, and results of the Reformation of the sixteenth century. Mr. Thomas writes in a good style, and in a good spirit; and the discourse is worthy of a large circulation in the churches.

THE MERCERSBURG REVIEW, published by Rev. George B. Russell, Pittsburg, Pa., and edited by Drs. Gerhart and Schaff. This is an earnest, vigorous Quarterly, devoted to the interests of Literature and Theology. No minister or thinking layman ought to be without it. Terms $3 per year for a single copy. Two copies for $5-three copies for $7 -five copies for $10, in advance. The number for January, 1860, is out, and rich in its contents.

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ANOTHER Presidential contest is drawing near. Already are marshalling voices heard in all ends of the land. In private caucuses the preliminaries have already been settled, and feelers are put forth in various ways, by way of ascertaining the beating of the general pulse. The first heavings of public commotion are already felt, and the multitudes by their growing attention are indicating their readiness to be taken up and borne away by the coming storm. With the opening of the summer, which is now at our doors, will fully begin the usual turmoil, when the minds of men will be more or less turned from every other concern and pursuit, to draw the car, or shout in the train of this Juggernaut which bears the political God in mad worship through the land.

We know the past history and character of these campaigns; and we have every reason to believe that in this respect, what has been, shall be again. Indeed it is prophesied by quiet and thinking men, that the coming campaign will be more wild and exciting than any of its predecessors. With the past in remembrance, it requires butlittle imagination to picture the scenes that are to be witnessed. There is not a nook or corner of the land so shut out as not to be reached. In the quietest rural retirements will be felt the rising of the waters, and heard the dashing of the waves of the human "ocean into tempest tossed"—we might perhaps add, "to waft a feather, or to drown a fly." Market places, the corners of the streets, shops and stores, decks of steamers and railroad cars, public squares, and halls, and groves, will all witness the war of words. Mechanics will leave their shops, countrymen their farms, professional men their offices, and loafers their store-boxes or barroom benches, for the glorious privilege of marching in mud or dust to show that they are "independent voters" and live "in a free country." Of course the general interests of religion will suffer. The hearts and minds of many members of the church will be wholly swallowed up in the wild excitement. Many vows will be broken, many good resolutions formed will go to the winds, many consciences will be wounded, many old habits over which grace had attained partial dominion will again enslave. In short many hearts will be left, after the campaign, naked, and empty, and hardened, and no doubt some entirely reprobate.

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