however, on which they may exercise | writer of the last century, who on this subject, says, "The Author of Nature did not create the polype to be turned as we turn a glove"! their power, so we may by the aid of our glass try to understand somewhat of the mode by which this soft, jelly-like little being is enabled to capture animals larger than itself. The tentacles are soft, pliant, and extensile, as is the body; they are studded all over with small tubercles, which have been termed the stinging organs; they are oval and comparatively firm capsules, each containing coiled within it a very long and slender filament, at the base of which are four minute spines. When the tentacle is brought into contact with any other body, these spines fly out with extraordinary rapidity; whether their entrance into the structure of the captured prey is the cause of the apparent paralysis which it seems to suffer, or whether, as is more probable, the act of uncoiling sets free some acrid fluid which poisons the prey, is a point yet to be elucidated; whichever may be the mode, or if both combined produce the required result, we cannot but admire the exquisite adaptation of means to a required end which this animal displays. We have already alluded to the facility with which they may be divided, and that the several parts become developed, just as portions may be cut from off a plant, which in their turn will put forth new leaves, and become perfect plants. The analogy may be carried even further; for, as a portion of one plant may be grafted on to another, and the two become one, so it has proved that two dissimilar portions of the Hydra may be brought into contact, and union taking place, one animal_will be the result. But whatever may have been the object for endowing this creature with so great a tenacity of life, we may safely aver, after the manner of the author just quoted, that God did not create the polype to be cut up by man. The ordinary and normal mode of increase, however, is very plant-like. Seldom do we find these creatures in the summer without observing one, or two, or even more, attached to the same The voracity of the Hydra is great, parent stem. If one be isolated where and being, if it may be so said, carni- it can be readily observed, a minute vorous in its tastes, it must be well swelling may soon be discovered on supplied with food, or it will become some portions of the body, which goes inactive, and ultimately pine away. When on gradually enlarging, taking somewhat feeding, it will sometimes happen that of a pear shape. By-and-by on the the arm, becoming entangled around the head of this, minute points appear, which prey, is drawn into the mouth, and gradually enlarge into tentacles; the thence to the stomach with the food. communication between the intestinal Two individuals have been observed to canal of the parent and child is perfect, catch the same animal; both, of course, the nutritive matter passing from one to being equally anxious to secure it, a the other; but as the tentacles become struggle ensues, which terminates in sufficiently developed to enable the favour of the strongest, who not un-youngster to secure its own prey, the frequently settles the strife by swallow-opening between its parent and itself ing his brother along with the prey! But as cannibalism evidently does not agree with them, the unfortunate prisoner is by-and-by disgorged, apparently none the worse for its temporary sojourn in the stomach of its brother. M. Trembley, and others, have found that if the creature is inverted, that is, turned inside out, as one would the finger of a glove, it does not appear to suffer, but takes its food just as before, the back immediately doing duty for the stomach, which has now become its back. Curious as this experiment is, we may do well to bear in mind a remark naïvely made by a becomes closed, and the juvenile parts company to pursue its own course, and fill its own place in the world: it will not be long before this young one will have other similar young ones sprouting out from its body, and so the number becomes rapidly augmented. This is not, however, the only mode in which these curious animals increase; at the approach of winter certain remarkable changes occur in portions of the structure of the body, and ova are formed which are subsequently separated from the parent. These ova are furnished with a dense coat, and appear to be capable of spontaneous motion; but Small as these animals are, they are whether this is due to the presence of sometimes infested by parasitical creacilia, is not ascertained. What a beau-tures, which it is singular to observe tiful provision is here for the preserva- nimbly running by means of bristle-like tion of the race! While large numbers feet up and down the body and tentacles of individuals are, no doubt, destroyed of the little polype,* so called because by the frost which covers the surface of the prehensile tentacles were originally the ponds with ice, these eggs, or germs, regarded as feet. have fallen down to the more equable temperature of the bottom, where they | lie dormant, until the warm beams of the springtide sun awakes all nature into activity, when the covering membrane becomes ruptured, and the young creature escapes to give rise to a large progeny that will bud and spring from its sides. The Polype is a large and highlyinteresting family. But enough has probably been said to awaken feelings of devout admiration while contemplating even this very humble member of a wide and important group of the works of the Divine Master. W. R. SELWAY. Reviews. * Polys, many-pous, a foot. Calls to the Cross. By ARTHUR | clear and outspoken an avowal of Mr. MURSELL. Elliot Stock, 62, Pater-Mursell's evangelical views, that, in justice to himself and his friends, it ought not to be withheld. noster Row. We would see Jesus in the means of grace. They are no means of grace without him. What is the use of our singing, if it is not melodized with the name of Jesus? What is the use of our praying, if we do not What is the use of pray through Jesus? Jesus? It must be Jesus all. You must our preaching, if we do not preach about bring him with you here; you must find him here; you must take him with you when you leave here. We may preach learned and ingenious sermons in the pulpit; but if we do not preach Jesus, it is but sounding brass and tinkling cymbal. We may give rhetorical lessons and addresses in the school, but if we do not teach and talk Jesus, we had better hold our peace. the critics come and call us ignorant, of language-what they will; if Jesus has shallow, superficial, barren of idea, meagre Let THE author of this volume is well known as a lecturer. As a preacher he needed just such an introduction to the reading public as this volume supplies. Many guessed at his style of preaching from his method of lecturing; but Mr. Mursell's friends were not willing that he should be judged by that rule. His addresses to the masses are very different from his pulpit-discourses. To a very general impression that the one must be like the other, we are indebted for the publication of a volume of sermons delivered in the ordinary course of his pulpit ministrations, which we think, cannot fail to remove all suspicions of a secular, loose, and heartless_theology from the public mind. We may not see the evangelical fulness and pathos which would Let dolts and dotards go to sleep in classhave flowed from the lips of some as rcom, cr in pew; if we have tried to keep "Calls to the Cross;" but we have the them awake with the music of the name of leading doctrines of the gospel clearly Jesus, theirs is the loss, not ours the shame. stated and enforced; and some of them | O suppliant! when thou prayest, let the presented in a novel and attractive incense of thy prayer ascend alone through form. Here are no sympathies with the Jesus. O preacher! when thou preachest, errors of many professed Evangelicals of let the burden of thy message be Christ our day, but we have evidences rather Jesus. O teacher! when thou teachest, that independence of thought and reason-fling science to the winds, fling rhetoric to ing does not necessarily lead astray from the simplicity of the gospel. We do not often, for want of space, make extracts in our "Reviews," but the following, from a sermon on "Seeing Jesus," is so been our theme we will not be ashamed. the winds, fling elocution to the winds, fling theme the theme of Jesus. Let each idea, self to the winds, and hide behind thy if you have any, be centered in him. Let your language derive its simple eloquence from him, and if you cannot stoop to teach this name and preach this gospel, then, in God's name, stand out of the light, and make way for some one who is not ashamed of the "foolishness of such preaching" "for if any man preach not this gospel, let him be accursed." "Whoso is ashamed of me before men, of him will I be ashamed before my Father and his holy angels." He who could preach in this strain, cannot be said to undervalue the gospel of Christ. Some may think that, to be consistent with himself, there should be more of it in his Lectures, but it would be unfair, after the above statements, to suppose that this arises from want of love to the gospel. That which is a mystery to others may find a harmonizing principle in his own mind. "To his own Master he standeth or falleth." Trapp's Commentary on the New Testament. Dickenson, Farringdon Street. We are beyond measure gratified to see so excellent a reprint of our favourite author. It is worth its weight in gold at the least, and sooner than not possess it we would throw in a diamond ring or two, if we possessed such things. Take care whom you Marry. Stock. Elliot An admirable tract on a most weighty subject, by our indefatigable friend T. W. Medhurst. The price is only One Half-penny, and we hope all our unmarried friends will read it. The Sunday Magazine, for November, contains an excellent article upon "Weights and Measures," another upon "Sensational and Scriptural Appeals," is worthy of particular notice; another upon a "French ΟΝ Quaker's Labour of Love"; and one other, which will be specially interesting to a large body of Christians, upon "The Mother of the Wesleys."-Good Words, for the same month, has an edifying paper upon "The Sinner's Friend," and much, as usual, that is both instructive and entertaining.— The Missing Link Magazine, of the same date, has some solid and seasonable remarks at its commencement, upon "Sensation Stories," which we would advise the editors of our most popular religious Periodicals their consciences disturbed in the midst of not to read, if they do not wish to have their avocations.-Christian Work continues to supply a vast store of information to those whose large-hearted Christianity bursts the bonds of zeal and piety, and who judge all religious efforts and zeal upon the principle, "the field is the world."-The Gospel Magazine well sustains the character given of it in our last number.—The Mother's Treasury shows no signs of being exhausted either in instruction or interest. family cares, its direction and consolation To many mothers who are absorbed in would be invaluable.—The Sunday Teachers' Treasury contains a large store of information and direction to those who seek to excel in the work of Sabbath-school teaching. We can hardly suppose any to be thoroughly qualified for that office without it.-The Children's Hour. It is quite right that children should have their part in our Monthly Periodicals, and they are worthily represented in "The Children's Hour." Messrs. Elliot and Stock, 62, Paternoster Works of Love: a New Year's Ballad. Row, have for the last two years endeavoured to introduce New-Years' Ballads into Sunday-schools, with encouraging success. The one before us has been sent that early notice of it may appear, and that it may be procured for the season for which it is intended. Notices. N_Thursday, November 16th, the Rev. T. Ness, late co-pastor of the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, was publicly recognised as pastor of the Church at Stepney Green Tabernacle. In the unavoidable and much regretted absence of Mr. Spurgeon, through illness, the Rev. G. Rogers, of the Metropolitan Tabernacle College, preached in the afternoon to a crowded congregation. Above 500 persons afterwards sat down to tea, in the commodious school-room belonging to the chapel. The public meeting which followed, was held in the chapel, which was well filled in every part. The Rev. J. Kennedy, M.A., occupied the chair, and in the course of his address most heartily welcomed Mr. Ness to the neighbourhood, taking occasion to notice how very inadequate the supply of ministers and chapels was to the surrounding population, as shown by statistics lately published-that while there should be chapel accommodation for at least fifty-eight persons out of every 100, in Stepney there was ac 66 well attended, and there have been numerous instances of decided usefulness. Interesting Anniversary services were held at the East St. Chapel, Newton Abbot, Devonshire, on Friday, October 13. A sermon was preached in the afternoon by the Rev. J. B. Date, of Teignmouth, from 1 Tim. xi. A tea meeting followed, at which about 200 persons were present. After tea a public meeting was held; P. Adams, Esq., of Plymouth, in the chair. From state commodation for only twenty-two. Mr. | adapted for religious services, is generally Ness, after giving a brief outline of his doctrinal views, and expressing his readiness to work heart and hand with his ministerial brethren in the adjoining districts, stated that he had received very great encouragement from the blessing that had already rested upon his labours at Stepney. The church was in a very prosperous condition, and had received many additions, and the Bible classes and Sunday-school were increasing with a healthy and vigorous growth. Mr. A. Saphir, B.A., Presby-ments made, it appeared that at the terian minister, of Greenwich, spoke on Preaching Christ;" Mr. J. Offord on "The Minister as a Teacher;" Mr. G. Rogers on "The duties of office-bearers and people;" Mr. C. Storel on "The work of the Holy Spirit, in connection with Christ's Church;" and Mr. A. Varley on "Evangelistic Work." Messrs. J. Renney, of Ratcliff, T. Penrose, P. Methodist, and D. Gracey, Metropolitan Tabernacle College, also took part in the services, which were throughout exceedingly profitable, and pervaded with a deep devotional pathos. The different Christian Denominations were well represented on the platform. There were present, the Revs. J. T. Temple, J. Thomas, B.A., A. Fergusson, W. Tyler, M.A., J. Russell (Shoreditch), S. Finch, B. Davis, J. Fife, D, Russell (Edmonton), and many of the students of the College. On Friday evening, the 17th of last month, a service of recognition was held at St. Peter's Hall, Norwich, on behalf of Mr. Willis, a student from the Metropolitan Tabernacle College, who has established the regular ministration of the Gospel in that place, under_very_encouraging circumstances. The Rev. John Hallett read the Scriptures. The Rev. Philip Colborne offered prayer. The Rev. G. Gould, who presided, gave an address suited to the occasion, welcoming in the name of all his brethren Mr. Willis as a fellow-labourer in that city. The Rev. G. Moses offered a prayer of dedication. The Rev. G. Rogers, from the Tabernacle College, gave an address to the newly appointed minister. The Rev. J. Alexander would have been present if the weather had permitted. The attendance was remarkably good. The hall is well previous anniversary there was a debt of £930 on the chapel, and the chairman had then promised that if the church would raise £90 during the coming year, he would make it up to £100; this having been done to his satisfaction, he handed over the £10. Besides this, about £80 had been collected from the churches of the Western and Devon Baptist Association; and to crown all, the treasurer, Mr. P. S. Michelmore, had with great liberality given £350 during the past year, making up his donation to £500, as promised at the opening of the chapel. By these means, in conjunction with the moiety of a collection made after a sermon, recently preached in the chapel by Mr. Spurgeon, about £550 of the debt has been cleared off, and £380 remains yet to be paid. Any help from friends will be most thankfully received by the pastor. The Rev. J. Čannon, (pastor of the church,) gave an account of the work that had been done and the progress made, through God's blessing, during his ministry. When formed eighteen months ago, the church consisted of twenty-six members only; but though there had been many difficulties and obstacles to contend against, nearly an equal number had been added. The prospects of the church were encouraging; a spirit of prayer pervaded it; the work of conversion was going on by God's grace, and much cause for thankfulness was felt. A tea and public meeting was held on Wednesday, November 15th, in aid of the Carlton Chapel, in Southampton, in course of erection, for the congregation now worshipping in the above rooms. A goodly number sat down to tea, and between 400 and 500 assembled at the meeting afterwards. The pastor (J. Collins) presided, and stated that the New Chapel was progressing favourably, but would not be completed, he feared, before the end of February. As only half the money required has been collected, all present were thoroughly urged to do their utmost to raise the necessary funds. The meeting was subsequently addressed by the following: Pastors C. Chambers (Romsey), H. H. Carlisle, J. G. Wright, R. Caven, and T. Sissons. All the addresses were exceedingly appropriate and well received. A collection was made during the evening, in aid of the building fund. Our friends here are working hard, but they have a great Ideal still to do. Will none of your sympathising readers aid us in our great work? Contributions of articles to the bazaar in the spring, or of money to the building fund, will be thankfully acknowledged by the pastor, J. Collins, 1, Hendiad Terrace, Southampton. a knowledges a parcel of clothing for the poor Irish, from H. Lewis, Abingdon. On Tuesday, the 14th November, the Total Abstinence Society, formed among the students in the College, held their first anniversary meeting. A considerable number of ladies and gentlemen took tea in the school-room, and than adjourned to the lecture hall. Mr. Selway took the chair. Prayer was offered by Mr. Ness. Mr. Blewitt read a report stating that sixty-one of the present students or ministers who had been students in the College were total abstainers. Excellent addresses were delivered by the Rev. Robert Robinson, of York Road; the Rev. John Rodgers,M.A., of St. Thomas' Charterhouse, who said it gave him great pleasure to stand on a neutral platform to address the students of so important a College. Mr. Hillier entertained the meeting by capital music, during which biscuits and fruit were handed round to the company. After this the Rev. J. Clifford, of Paddington, and Mr. Smithies, editor of the British Workman, delivered addresses; and this very encouraging meeting was brought to a close by Mr. Ness proposing, and Mr. Rowe seconding a vote of thanks to the speakers. Several students from Regent's Park College were present, and also from New College, also the Rev. J. Stott and the Rev. J. H. Wilson. The first Anniversary services of the church and congregation, worshipping in Vauxhall Baptist Chapel, were held on Sunday and Monday, the 12th and 13th of November. A sermon was preached on Sunday morning by the Rev. G. Rogers; and in the evening by Mr. D. Gracey. Both these services were well attended and much enjoyed. A tea and public meeting was held on Monday. At the former, 160 persons at least were present; after which, the company was considerably increased, the A most interesting meeting was held body of the chapel being nearly full, and at the Baptist Chapel, Gold Hill, Bucks, goodly number in the gallery. Pastor on Monday, October 16th, to recognise G. Hearson took the chair, surrounded Mr. H. Dunn, student of Mr. Spurgeon's by four elders from Mr. Spurgeon's College, as pastor. A goodly number Tabernacle, by Mr. Durban and Mr. T. sat down to tea, after which a public Attwood. After a hymn had been sung, meeting was held in the chapel. Mr. the divine blessing sought, and a chap-Dunn offered prayer, and the venerable ter read, Mr. Hearson's brother gave a statement of the rise and progress of the cause, and also of its financial condition, which were pleasing and satisfactory. The church commenced with eight members, and now numbered fifty-one; the school had increased to 180 scholars; and more than £200 had been raised during the year. Mr. W. Bloom, from the Metropolitan Tabernacle College, has received and accepted a unanimous call to the Pastorate of the Baptist Church in Doncaster. The secretary of the British and Irish Baptist Home Mission, thankfully ac Rev. G. Warne, of Sarratt, took the chair. Two affectionate and impressive addresses were delivered by the Rev. T. Peters, of Watford, and Mr. Akehurst, student of Mr. Spurgeon's College. The young pastor then gave an interesting account of his conversion and call to the ministry. Mr. Burgess (deacon) in the name of the Church, and the Rev. W. C. Ellis of Chenico, in the name of the neighbouring ministers, gave their young brother a most cordial and hearty welcome. Appropriate speeches were given by Messrs. Curtis, Snell, Saunders, and Stone; and thus after three hours of |