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of the cruel Gesler. So, to our keen re- a great extent uninjured much that gret, though the patriotic people of they had possessed at an earlier day, Switzerland point to the very tree under and amongst their possessions are the which their hero stationed his son, the curious myths that we have been exstory must be classed with the folklore. amining. Handed down from parent And now for our answer to the ques- to child, without ever having been retion, How is this striking resemblance corded in books, expanded gradually to be accounted for? or contracted, they continued to exist, until at length the great master scholars of our day were led to examine th and then, lo! and behold, the tr nursery tales of our own baby hor discovered to be almost as old hills, and more full of instructio any we ever dreamed of.

Long before the ancient Greeks and Romans had any existence, long before the Hindus inhabited India, or the Persians took up their abode in Asia, there dwelt in Central Asia a mysterious people, known to us now as the Aryans; and from them it is believed by the most eminent students of philology and It may seem incredible to so ethnology, these wonderful and charm- this answer can be the correct of ing myths originally came. We know there is none other that m little about these strange people; even difficulties of the case so well, their name has passed into oblivion. strongly supported by weight They lived thousands of years ago. A ments. If a few stories were: mighty people they were, though know- one land which strongly resen ing little of the arts and sciences of exactly corresponded to a few founu civilization. Their religion was of a another, we would readily conclude that very low order, and is known to us as in some way the one had transmitted fetich. They were chiefly engaged in them to the other. But when instead pastoral pursuits, though dwelling in of a few we find a thousand, owned in towns and cities. As they multiplied common by a dozen different nations, in numbers, and the land they inhabited such an opinion goes to pieces at once. became too densely crowded to afford It is doubtless true, too, that different them room to live comfortably together, people, widely sundered sometimes immense bodies of them said farewell to think of the same thing, and that differtheir native land and moved westward ent races and tribes of men have much and southward, to found new homes for in common that they learned from no themselves in Europe, India, and Asia. teachers but their own. In such inAs hundreds of thousands of people to- stances, however, there is found to be a day are emigrating to the shores of common cause which leads to such a reAmerica, driven hither by the crowded sult. But what common cause could state of Europe, so they were doubtless ever lead nations living far apart from driven from their own country. Of each other to relate a story about the course they carried with them the religion, the laws, the manners and customs of their fatherland. They carried with them, too, the myths known to us now as folklore, some developed almost as fully as we have them at present, but others in the form of mere germs or principles.

As the years went by, as generations followed generations, as they grew in refinement and learning, their manners, customs, language and religion, slowly but surely underwent a great change. They forgot the name of the land from which they had sprung, and their origin became a deeper mystery to them than it is to us. But under all the changes wrought by time, they still preserved to

Giant who had no Heart in His Body, or some other oddity or monstrosity just as great? What could lead them, each in an independent manner to invent ladders reaching from earth to heaven, coats and caps which rendered the wearer invisible, tables which covered themselves with dainties at the word of command, shoes which gave the wearer the speed of the wind, swords which no armor could withstand, and a thousand other marvels just as great? There is only one explanation of the mystery; at one time these nations, now so widely separated, lived together as one people, and when as time advanced large hordes of them were led to seek out for themselves new homes, they

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It may appear to some, that it is because that name Jesus had never been borne by any other character, that it takes so high a rank.

But "Jesus" is only another form for "Joshua." And we all know, that there had been Joshuas before Jesus came.

The reason why the name "Jesus" is so lofty, and so highly revered, is given us by the angel. "And thou shalt call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins." The person and the high office of Christ gave His name such a prestige, you see. The person always makes the name great; and never is the contrary the fact, that the name makes the person great. Parents sometimes think so, and go in search of a "big name," thinking that such a name will confer greatness on the child. A mistake!

We

God called His Son "Jesus "—that is "Saviour," because He is the Person, and His is the Office, "to save." are elsewhere told, that there is no other name. given to men, whereby we may be saved!

If any man wants his sins forgiven, he can only get rid of them and their consequences through the all-prevailing name of Jesus.

If any man wishes to pray to God, he can only hope to have the ear of God to listen, through the pleading of the name of Jesus.

If any man should get into heaven, he can only expect to enter through the name of Jesus," as the door.

..

Now, as there is no other name, that will prove so efficient, it is easy to say, why the name of Jesus should be above every other name, either in heaven or on earth.

I rejoice, that this precious name is "given unto men." It is ours, as it were. It is the grand property of the world. All mankind may use it. And by its proper using, men and women and children may be saved.

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But there is another reason why that name "Jesus is above every other name that was ever, or will be ever borne. I do not think that this reason is brought before men as it should be. It is this: Apart from His Divine Sonship and Messiahship, I hold that Jesus Christ was the greatest, grandest, and noblest character that ever apppeared among mankind. If I can get you to see or believe that I am sure you will no longer wonder why His name should also be lifted up, and above all other names, in heaven and in earth.

Let us compare Jesus as the Divine man with other men:

There were great law-givers and legislators. Moses, Solon, Lycurgus, Confucius, and others. But did ever one publish a grander code of laws, or aim at establishing a nobler empire, than did Jesus Christ?

All men confess, that if mankind would accept His code of morals and religion, paradise would be regained.

Ought His name, then, not go above the names of all other law-givers and legislators, at least?

There have been great warriors and generals in the world. Alexander,

Cæsar, Napoleon, Washington, and fling their crowns at His feet, we are others. told.

But did ever one attempt to inaugurate a life-long warfare against self, world, Satan? Against death and hell? Jesus did that! And gained the victory too!

Ought not His name, then, go above that of all warriors and generals, too? There have been philosophers and wise men in the world, Socrates, Plato, Solomon, and others.

But did ever any of these, or all together, exceed Jesus in wisdom?

Ought not the name of Jesus, then, go above all the wise men that ever lived? There have been great orators and poets in the world. Cicero, Demosthenes, Webster, Homer, Horace, Milton, Shakespeare, and others.

But of Jesus, it is said: "Never man spake as this man.'

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Ought not His name, then, go above all the orators and poets that ever spake or sang?

There have been good and saintly souls on this earth. Enoch walked so close to God, that God reached out and took him up to heaven. He sent a chariot of fire to bring home His old prophet.

But Jesus could challege His bitterest enemies in these words: "Which of you can convince me of sin?"

Ought not His name, then, to be above all the names of the best men that ever lived?

There are grand names given to the angels-to Cherubim and Seraphim, to the Archangels, Gabriel and Michael, and countless others.

But these are all the servants of Jesus. Every knee that is in heaven, or in the earth, or under the earth, St. Paul says, "shall bow before Him."

One would think, that He can hardly be pleased with our poor songs, since He is constantly worshipped by the Heavenly Host in Divine Hallelujahs and Hosannas. And yet He is. He is the humblest of beings, and despises not the praises of mortal lips. He took in the shouts of the crowd on His way to Jerusalem, riding on an ass. He said the stones would cry out if men and children were silent.

And such praises He still wants from our poor, lisping, stammering tongues.

If ever the heavenly choirs and the songs of earth unite in one, it must be on Christmas tide, when the angels came down on the plains of Judea, and shouted: "Glory to God in the Highest, Peace on Earth, and Good-will to Men !"

If ever we be ready to join them, when we go hence, we must attune our hearts and tongues to those strains here.

FAITHFUL PRINCES.

In 1537 Wolfgang, Prince of Anhalt, whose name is attached to the Augsburg Confession, was deposed by the emperor for his religious opinions, and his land given to a Spanish favorite. When the news of his deposition arrived, the prince rode to the centre of the town of Bernburg, and there, in the midst of his afflicted people, sang Luther's hymn: "A mighty castle is our God!" Subsequently he disguised himself as a miller, and worked for some time in a mill at Koran; but by the treaty of Passau he was reinstated in his dominions amid the sincere rejoicings of his people.

Then may we well bow too, before In 1548 the emperor Chas. V. impriHis glorious name, to-night! Well soned the elector John Frederick of may we adore at His humble manger Saxony. Afterwards he removed from -big and little. What is the birth day office all the Protestant ministers in of any mortal, aside Christmas-tide, the Saxony, and exiled them from his emanniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ? pire. Some of these visited the elector Why the mere mentioning of the name in his imprisonment, and told him their of Zwingli, Calvin, Luther, Wesley, story. With tears streaming down his seems to be almost profane! compared with the name of Jesus, "The King of Kings and Lord of Lords." All men are as the clouds of earth aside of the Angels vail their faces, and

sun.

face he inquired: "Has the emperor also exiled you from the kingdom of Heaven?" "No!" was their reply. "Then," responded the elector," "ye must not be afraid-the kingdom yet remaineth!''

OUR CABINET,

A SILVER WEDDING.

We have seen it stated that the Rev. H. Dalton, pastor of one of the German Reformed churches in St. Petersburg, Russia, recently celebrated the twentyfifth anniversary of his pastorate. On this occasion the congregation placed at his disposal a fund of ten thousand dollars, the interest of which is to be applied to charity as he may direct. At the same time they also voted him an annuity of one thousand dollars beyond his regular salary. A neighboring university honored itself and him by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity.

Dr. Dalton is a very eminent man, and deserves all these honors. In our opinion his congregation is, however, at least equally honored. A church which so fully appreciates the labors of a faithful pastor is certainly deserving of the highest praise. Under such circum stances, the union of pastor and people must be productive of unnumbered blessings, and its twenty-fifth anniverwell deserves to be called A Silver Wedding.

sary

TUTEN-BERRIES.

lar, but it is now rarely eaten except
by children. "Now I am inclined to
think that you have not been delivered
from the error under which I so long
lay. Not one of the three names you
have quoted is the correct one. But I
do not cast any blame, remember, since
we were all taught to say: "Juden-kir-
schen," by the elders. But the proper
name is: "Tuten-kirschen," neverthe-
less. "
""
"Tuten
it is in a pouch, in which
'pouches," and
berry is held. It is not at all Jewish,
or Jerusalem-kinned.

66 means

every

such

And while I am making a criticism, let me go a step further. I take exnow rarely eaten except by children. I ception to your saying that they are am over fifty, and prefer a Tuten-berry tart, or pastry, to a mince-pie, or plumpudding! Besides, I stand in very close relation to a lady who can "do up one of my favorite dessert in such a way up" as to remind you of "ye olden times,' see if she can't!

as hops" over all this region, just as it The Tuten-berry is grown "as thick used to be. They are gathered ripe, and dried for winter use. Our house has no supply just now; but if ever you call here during the fall, we will convince you, that it is still rather "exWe return thanks to a valued corre- tensively cultivated," and that it has spondent for the following interesting not in the least lost any of its "superior letter which will explain itself. With flavor" either.-Very truly your friend regard to the question at issue we have Old Times and New. only to say that we "stand corrected," and that we hope to enjoy the privilege of enjoying his hospitality. It will not be difficult to convince us of the "superior flavor" of the fruit which our correspondent so highly praises.

in the

WASHINGTON'S WEALTH.

Washington a rich man!" Yes! we A correspondent inquires: "Was answer. According to the standard of MY DEAR DR. DUBBS I am the times, he was a very wealthy man. prompted to make a comment or two At the time of his death, he was possion a portion of your very readable bly, with one or two exceptions, the article in the February GUARDIAN, richest man in America. His will, "Old Times and New. I too know which has been printed in fac-simile, is something about the "Ground Cherry," a formidable document, In it he disJerusalem Cherry," or "Jews' Cherry." posed of tracts of land which would You speak of it as one kind of small have sufficed to form a handsome prinfruit which was once exceedingly popu- cipality. The assessed value of his

6

estate was $700,000, but the land was rated at a very low figure, and this sum at the present day very inadequately represents his estate. Charles Carroll of Carrollton was, perhaps, wealthier; and Elias H. Derby, a merchant of Salem, Mass., had $900,000, but it is doubtful, if Washington's land had been rated at even the full market price of the day, whether either of them would have possessed as much wealth as Washington. The greater part of his estate he had received by marriage.

Washington enjoyed high social advantages. He was connected with the first families of Virginia, which was the most aristocratic of the colonies. No one in America had more to lose if the struggle for Independence had proved unsuccessful. His devotion to the cause was therefore at once recognized as sincere, and his personal example, it has been said, was worth an army.

OUR BOOK TABLE.

JEWISH ARTISAN LIFE IN THE TIME OF JESUS. By Prof. Franz Delitzsch, D.D. Phila., Luth eran Publication Society, 1883. Price 40 cts. This is a precious little volume by one of the foremost, scholars of the age. At first sight we were surprised to see it included in the "Fatherland Series," which is generally devoted to stories of a type which has become familiar to all our youthful readers. On further examination we were delighted to find that the style is so clear and withal so vivacious that every intelligent boy will find it pleasant and instructive reading. A book such as this is worth dozens of those which are generally found in Sunday School libraries.

and G. F. Behringer. It is readable and we think reliable, though we regret to say some portions of the original which were supposed omitted by the publishers. The book is bound in paper only, but it has two hundred pages and is well printed.

to be of a controversial nature have been

THE CENTURY FOR FEBRUARY contains a

large variety of interesting articles, Among these are Gustave Courbet; Merinos in America; The Cruise of the Alice May; and Portraits of Dante. The illustrations are superb, and as a whole this number is, we think, equal to any one of its predecessors. The frontispiece is a reproduction of one of the most celebrated works of the great painter

Rembrandt.

A VALIANT SHEEP.

A man-eating tiger of immense proportions, at one time the pride of the Calcutta collection, was once killed under circumstances that covered it with ridicule. It happened that a fighting ram, belonging to a soldier in one of the regiments cantoned in the neighborhood, became so extremely troublesome, that the colonel ordered it to be sent to the

Zoological Gardens. Yet there it was as troublesome as ever; and being no curiosity, though excellent mutton, it was decided to give it to the great tiger. So ferocious was this creature supposed to be that it had a specially constructed cage, and its food was let down through a sliding grating in the roof. Down this, accordingly, the ram was lowered. The tiger was dozing in the corner; but when it saw the mutton descend, it rose, and after a long, sleepy yawn, began to stretch itself. Meanwhile, the ram, who had no notion that he had been put there

ST. NICHOLAS FOR FEBRUARY comes to us laden with illustrations and interesting stories. It is truly a midwinter number. The to be eaten, was watching the monster's frontispiece is entitled "A Mid-winter Night." It is a wood engraving by Elridge Kingsley. Accompaning it is an article; "An Engraver on Wheels," which gives an account of wood engraving in general. Published by

CENTURY CO., New York.

THE LIFE OF ZWINGLI. By Jean Grob. New York, Funk & Wagnalls. Price 25 cts.

Of all the memoirs of the Swiss Reformer

which have been called forth by the recent festival, this is no doubt the cheapest. It is really wonderful that the publishers can furnish so much reading matter for so small a price. The book was originally written in German by the Rev. Jean Grob, pastor of the Reformed Church at Milwaukee, Wis., and has been well translated by Revs. I. K. Loos

lazy preparations for his meal with the eye of an old gladiator, and, seeing the tiger stretch himself, supposed the fight stepped nimbly back to the farthest corwas commencing. Accordingly, he ner of the cage-just as the tiger, of course, all along expected he would do --and then, which the tiger had not in the least expected, put down his head and went straight at the beast. The old tiger had not a chance from the first; and, as there was no way of getting the ram out again, the agonized owners had to look on while the sheep killed the tiger!— Phil. Robinson.

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