At last the loom was hushed: no more
The deftly handled shuttle flew ;
No more the westering sunlight fell
Where blushing silken roses grew.

And through the streets of Bruges town
By strange hands cared for, to his last
And lonely rest, 'neath darkening skies,
The ancient weaver slowly passed;

Then strange sights met the gaze of all:
A great white stork, with wing-beats slow,
Too sad to leave the friend he loved,
With drooping head flew circling low,

And ere the trampling feet had left

The new-made mound, dropped softly down, And clasped the grave with his wide wings, His pure breast on the earth so brown."

Nor food, nor drink, could lure him thence,
Sunrise nor fading sunsets red :
When little children came to see,
The great white stork-was dead.

-M. M. P. DINSMOOR, in Wide Awake.

INSCRIPTIONS ON CLOCKS AND BELLS.

On a church-bell in Strasburg is the inscription, in Latin, "Ye know not when the Lord cometh." In Nuremberg around the dial of the town clock: "One of these is the last." In Minden on the bell where the clock-hammer falls: They all strike, but one is the last."

(OUR BOOK TABLE.)

EPITOME OF ANCIENT, MEDIAEVAL, AND MODERN HISTORY BY CARL PLOETZ. Translated with extensive additions by William H. Tillinghast. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin, and Company. 1884. Price, 3.00.

We can cordially recommend this manual to the attention of students of history. It is not intended to be committed to memory or to be used in recitation, but when ever the subject is taught by lectures it will be found exceedingly useful as a book of reference. Originally prepared by a celebrated German educator, it has been greatly improved and extended by its American editor. All the main facts of history are here, concisely expressed and admirably arranged, and the results of the most recent researches have been fully utilized. In a work containing such a multitude of facts occasional inaccuracies are perhaps unavoidable; but these in the volume before us appear to be few and unimportant. The work needs to be supplemented by oral instruction or by extensive reading; but as a manual for constant reference we regard it as unequalled, and it will afford us pleasure to do all in our power to extend its circulation.

TIP LEWIS AND HIS LAMP, By Pansy, Boston, D. Lathrop and Co.-Price 25 cents. It was a good idea to reprint this Sunday School classic as one of the volumes of the

"Young Folk's Library "-If it is instrumental in directing the attention of the boys to better literature than that which is so frequently placed in their hands, it will accomplish a good work. The typography of the book is all that can be desired. It is bound in paper but would be worth binding in cloth for the Sunday School library.

THE LAST OF THE LUSCOMBS. By Helen Pearson Barnard. Boston: Congregational Sunday School and Publishing Society.—Price, $1.25.

This is a very interesting story of rustic life in New England. The authoress avoids the common fault of exalting a favorite character to wealth and high social position, as though these were the highest objects of life, and represents her hero as satisfied to perform well the duties of his humble station.-The religious and moral lessons of the book are excellent.

OUR BUSINESS BOYS. By Rev. F. E. Clarke. Boston: D. Lothrop & Co.- Price 60

cents.

This is really a valuable little book. The author addressed a letter to one hundred eminent business men, inquiring what they regarded as the essentials of success, and from the replies received composed this little volume which is full recommend it to young men who desire to be of valuable instruction. We can heartily successful in business.

THE CENTURY MAGAZINE for June con

tains the usual number of finely illustrated articles. The frontispiece is a representation of St. Gauden's Statue of Robert Richard Randall, the founder of the "Sailors' Snug Harbor," to which institution an interesting article is devoted. Other important articles are "What is a Liberal Education," by President Eliot, of Harvard University; "American Wild Animals in Art," by Julian Hawthorne; and "Commerce in the Colonies," by Edward Eggleston. Sevier," by George W. Cable, is continued. The present number of the latter serial manifests extraordinary power, and will add to the fame of its author.

"Dr.

ST. NICHOLAS. This popular Magazine for youth, for the month of May, is at hand. As usual it is full of stories, tales and poetrybeautifully illustrated, by well-known authors. A pleasing and instructive number.

St. Nicholas for June is a bright out-door number, nearly every article taking the reader to the woods and fields, yet to the art sacrifice of the variety of subject and interest which is so distinguishing a feature of the Magazine. The illustrations are numerous and beautiful. All the departments are full and entertaining as usual. Published by The Century Co., New York.

MICHAEL ELLIS'S TEXT. A Story for Girls. By Margaret E. Winslow. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication. Price, $1.15.

Michael Ellis's life-text was, "Even Christ pleased not himself." In the illustration of charming volume. If its precepts were obthis precious motto the author has written a served they would make life happier, home sweeter, and heaven nearer.

MADAME GUYON..

a

Mme. Guyon, the author of " I would love Thee, God and Father," was Frenchwoman, said to have been beau tiful in person, refined and prepossessing in manners, a delightful talker, and was celebrated for her piety and talents. She was born near Paris in 1648. Her earnest wish was to enter a convent, but her friends urged her marriage, which took place when she was very young, At twenty-five she was a widow, and retaining her early religious desires, she gave her children to the care of guardians, and devoted herself to the service of her Church. Some of her writings and teachings were objected to by the clergy, and in consequence of their persecutions she was imprisoned in the convent of St. Marie. Her room was so small and close, that she said "it seemed like a cage." But her spirit of song was not taken from her by her uncomfortable surroundings. For while in this miserable cell, she wrote:

My cage confines me round,
Abroad I cannot fly,

But though my wing is closely bound,
My heart's at liberty;
My prison walls cannot control
The flight and freedom of the soul.

After eight months Mme. Guyon was released, and about this time became intimately acquainted with Fenelon, a divine and philosopher, who was completely won by her sincere piety and earnestness. He also had the greatest sympathy with her peculiar religious views on Jesuitism. Mme Guyon gave her writings to the Bishop of Meaux, who expurgated all that he regarded as heresy. However, she again soon of fended the clergy and and court by her writings, and became involved in persecutions with Fenelon. and about 1695 was arested and confined in the castle of Vincennes. Then," she says, "I sang songs of joy." Her maid, who was one of her "spiritual children,"

learned them as soon as they were written, and together their voice blended in praise to God. She said "The stones of my prison looked in my eyes like rubies. My heart was full of that joy Thou givest to them that love Thee in the midst of their crosses."

In 1698 she was removed to the Bastile, and here she and her maid were separated. For four years Mme. Guyon was kept within the gloomy walls of this fearful prison. She was then liberated and passed her life in comparative quiet. The words of one of her hymns seem especially appropriate to herself:

To me remains nor place nor time,
My country is in every clime;
I can be calm and free from care
On any shore, since God is there.

And these words during the long intervening years have found an echo in the hearts of earnest women who have devoted, and are devoting themselves to the missionary work in far-away climes Thus this daughter of song passed through threescore years and ten, leaving to the Church a rich treasure of sacred poetry, from which one of the most beautiful hymns has been selected for the praise-meeting:

I would love Thee, God and Father,
My Redeemer and My King;

I would love Thee, and without Thee
Life is but a bitter thing.

-The Evangelist.

THE RESURRECTION.

A young man had been very sick. His body had become greatly emaciated, and his strength was almost gone. Gradually he recovered his health, and at last arose from his bed with renewed strength. "Now," he said, "I can form some idea of the mystery of the resurrection. My flesh was gone, but at God's command it has come again. If God could do this now, how can I doubt that He will do it still more gloriously hereafter?"

LESSON I.

July 6th, 1884.

3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.

4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David can not come in hither.

7 Nevertheless, David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

8 And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.

9 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it, The city of David. And David build round about from Millo and inward.

10 And David went on and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him.

11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar-trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David a house.

12 And David perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.

After Saul's death, his son, Ish-bosheth, was for awhile king; but Abner was the real ruler of Israel. The tribe of Judah, however, did not recognize Saul's son as king, but proclaimed David as their king. In our lesson we see how David became king of all Israel.

V. 1. Then-that is, after the death of Ish

oldest cities of Palestine, about twenty miles south of Jerusalem. 6. Jebusites-an ancient tribe descended from Canaan, son of Ham (Gen. 10: 16). They had never been conquered during "the wars of the Conquest." Now David resolved to subdue them. Their fort was so high and strong that they said : the lame and the blind shall keep David off. 7. Zion-the sunny. 9. Millo-the fort or stronghold. 11. Tyre-a city north of Palestine, 100 miles from Jerusalem.

When did we leave off studying David's | life? Who reigned after Saul's death? Who had command of the army? Which tribe refused to recognize Saul's son ? Who was its king? Where was the capital? How long did he rule over this tribe separately?

1. How many "tribes" were there? Whom did they ask to be their king?

2. What was the first reason given for their asking? The second? The third?

3. Did David consent to become king over all the tribes? Who anointed David the first time? When did his second anointing take place? Why was he anointed the third time? 4-5. How old was David when he began to reign? How many years did he reign in Hebron, over Judah alone? How long in Jerusalem, over all Israel?

Ques. 125. Which is the fourth petition?

6. Where did the king of the re-united tribes at once lead his army? Who were the Jebusites? How did they taunt David? What did they mean by this?

7. What part of Jerusalem did David take? What name did it receive?

8-9. What offer did David make to his

soldiers? Who won the prize? (See 1 Chron. 11: 6).

10. What was the Millo? What did David

do with it? What caused David's prosperity?

11-12. What king formed an alliance with him? Where was Tyre? What was sent to David? For what purpose? What did the king perceive? What is the central truth of this lesson? Are you being more and more titted for your work.

and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel!

THE CAPTURE OF JERUSALEM was the first military achievement of David, after he became king of all Israel. Political, civil and military considerations pointed to Jerusalem as the most suitable capital for the united kingdom. (1) Its position with reference to the two royal tribes-partly in the tribe of Benjamin (to which Saul had belonged), and partly in the tribe of Judah, (to which David belonged). This would leave both sections of the nation without jealousy. Thus the good-will of Benjamin was secured, and Judah was not alienated by the removal of the capital from Hebron. (2) Its position in reference to all the tribes; it was virtually central for the whole land. (3) As a military post it was the strongest that could be found. Standing on rocky hills, surrounded on three of its sides by deep ravines, it formed a natural fortress which was almost impregnable.

Jerusalem was now to be made the seat of government; and here the Ark was also to be brought, that the city might also become the religious centre of all the tribes. In all this David's statesmanship is conspicuous.

V. 6. The Jebusites said, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither-or, thou shalt not come in hither, but the blind and the lame shall keep thee off. These unfortunates were, perhaps, placed upon the walls in derision, as a sufficient defense against David's army.

David cannot come in hitherto understand the full meaning and force of this insulting taunt, it is necessary to bear in mind the depth and steepness of the valley of Gihon, and the lofty walls of the ancient Canaanitish fortress. The height on the south was 303 feet, on the south-east 242 feet, on the east 204 to 159, on the west 95 to 139.

V. 7. Nevertheless David took the stronghold the citadel. Zion was the southern and loftiest mountain of Jerusalem. It received the name, City of David.

V. 8. Whosoever getteth up to the gutter-the word for gutter is translated water spouts or pipes in Psalm 42. "The only access to the citadel was

where the water had worn a channel (some think underground), and where there was, in consequence, some vegetation in the rock.' Joab, David's nephew, stormed the fort, and he was the chief captain.

V. 9. David dwelt in the fort-he selected this very stronghold for his palace. The Millo-the old Jebusite fort.

Vs. 10-12. David attributed his success, not to his military achievements, but to the favor of Jehovah. Hiram, king of Tyre, entered into a close alliance with him. All was now peaceful and prosperous.

BURIAL EXPENSES IN CHINA.

Great indeed are the expenses entailed on the living by the dead. In no land can the loss of a kinsman be more seriously felt than in China. To begin with, there are heavy funeral expenses. The body must be dressed in fine new clothes, and another good suit must be burnt, as also his boots and shoes, most of his wardrobe, his bed and bedding, and the things most essential to his comfort when living, for he is supposed to require all these in the unseen world; and though paper representations are useful later, the real articles are needed for the original outfit Then a handsome coffin is essential, and the priests must be largely paid for funeral services at the house of the deceased, and again for their services in ascertaining the lucky day for burial-while a professor of fung shui must also be paid, to choose the exact spot where they may safely prepare the grave, so that the dead may be shielded from the evil influences which proceed from the north, and encompassed by all the good which breathes from the south. From the tenth to the seventeenth day after death, the priests, whether Taoist or Buddhist, hold services in the house, to protect the living from the inroads of hosts of spirits who are supposed to crowd in, in the wake of their new friend, and as relatives and friends of the family must be entertained, as well as the priests, this is another heavy item of expense. In short, many families are often permanently impoverished by the drain to which they are thus subjected.-Selected.