Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

r ONTYPOOL PETTY SESSIONS. v SATURDAY. ore Col. BYRDE (in the chair), C. J. PARKES, Esq., and E. J. PHILLIPS, Esq. THE COLLIER S'DISPUTE. adjourned case of Godwin v. The Ebbw IoClle Company, in which the complainant sought RECOVER £1 4s 9d, amount alleged to be due for -JTAIN deductions made for slag," was first *&ed. I complainant stated that he was instructed J THE manager of the works to label a certain ,F Fly-wheel coal;" and the real question at was whether such instructions had been °|VEQ or not.—The Manager denied having given ^permission; but admitted that a conversa- 3 did take place between himself and the com- V^NANT. It was possible that Godwin^ might T considered himself right in so marking the but no such permission, implied or othex wise. Co d ever been given.—Mr Plews appeared for ^plainant, and Mr Green way and Mr Ward JPPEARED for the Company.—Mr Greenway, ad- E^SSING the Bench, stated that he was glad io Ms friend, Mr Plews, engaged on the other Upon the last occsaion when the case was RJF°RE the Bench, a suggestion was kindly thrown that this was a matter which would better be t ttled by arbitration. The case was adjourned °R that purpose, both sides seeing fit to carry it J*T' Upon the hearing of the evidence on the pre- Saturday complainant swore that he had ?°ken to the manager, and that the manager had P him permission to send out this tram of and mark it Fly-wheel coal." The manager ^IES this. He never gave any such permission, bee recollects some conversation having occurred ^T\VEEN himself and complainant, but he never J VE the latter permission, implied or otherwise, J? ^ND out coal marked Fly-wheel." They had ce ascertained that this particular tram was I at filled by complainant himself. However, klng at all the facts of the case, he concurred ^TH his friend Mr Ward, *,who represented the .V^PANY generally, that, in fairness to the men, .?EY would not contest the case, as it was possible /*AT complainant might have thought, from the ^ERSATION hehadwiththemanager.that an im- ATED permission was given him to label this par- SCMAR tram Fly-wheel." The Company were JREREFORE willing to give the man the benefit of JJE doubt that might arise but it must be dis- ??Ctly understood that the manager never gave such permission. He would receive the ont he claimed for, but the Company did not that these deductions were other than legi- Ii Inate. There would, in fact, have been nothing FT Arbitration, as the question was really one of Did this conversation take place or not ? Y 6 manager recollects a conversation taking F'FTCE between himself and the complainant, but r emphatically denies having ever- given or im- 4 led his consent to the marking of the tram K •'Y-wheel."—Mr Plews stated that, in fairness THE men, he wished to say one word in reply. J ^AS possible that the manager might have an IMPRESSION that he never gave or implied such F^ISSION, hut he (Mr Plews) had two witnesses OXIDES the complainant who heard the conversa- I, V? &ND the permission for the coal to be labelled ill ly-wheel." The manager, it was quite likely, I the discharge of his multifarious duties, may ^VE obliterated this from his mind. The Plainant had no doubt upon the matter. The JJH Was cut in a peculiar place and under pecu- circumstunces. The manager admitted that "as impossible to fill trams with clean small .j, and said it might be labelled "Fly-wheel." V *HE Chairman It is a pity to enter into the J,J^ITS of the case.—Mr Greenway: I have not 'erred to the fact that the tram was not marked ^1-—The Chairman In all matters of dispute it .QUESTIONS of agreement affecting the trade of country, it is more satisfactory, both to EM- BERS and employed, to have them settled by ^TUAL agreement. It is a pity that course should departed from. An appeal to the law always RENDERED a bitterness of feeling.—Mr Plews 6 generally try to throw oil upon the troubled ^JTERS.—Mr Greenway We all do so, I think. IK summons was thereupon withdrawn, on ■J!, understanding that the Company paid the IIn and the costs involved in the suit. TRESPASS AND ASSAULT. ^0liver Jones and Elijah Loveridge, two boys, J^E summoned by the Pontypool Local Board JJ" trespassing upon their property.—Mr Wat- »,.8 appeared for Jones, who summoned a witness SJJ^ED Mrs Thomas, for assaulting him.—Mr E. J J^HENS, surveyor to the Board, stated that nu- J J. RQQS complaints had been made of boys tres- I £ IN the ash-yard, Trosnant, and it MD be-- necessary, now the nuisance was so great, to the interference of the Bench. One tenant left his house on this account, and the neigh- complained that they were frequently their windows broken.—Mrs Thomas,who FIRST ignored her ability to speak anything but 8H, subsequently recovered her knowledge of ENGLISH language, and deposed to the tres- es °n the part of the two defendants-—In cross- AInination, she admitted having given Jones $TH]F0 S^APS-"—The jlads were each fined 2s 6d **• Mrs Thomas 10s for the assault. SATURDAY NIGHT CHARGES. N Howell pleaded guilty to an information TJ* Sergeant Basham charging him with drunk on the previous Saturday night, and fined 10s. Edward Thomas, of Pontnewynydd, was SUM- MED for being drunk on the previous Saturday *ght.—P.c. Adams proved the case, and stated defendant had nothing on but his trousers. ^PINED 10s, or 7 days. Thomas Madden, charged by Sergeant Lewis 10th being drunk at Abersychan, was also fined S, or the usual alternative. A FORGETFUL PARENT. j. John Powell, who did not appear, was sum- JONED for non-payment of £ 3 Is, arrears due to ^RGARET Tobin under an order made by the ma- S^TRATES for the maintenace of her illegitimate *^LD, of which he was adjudged the father.—A I ARRANT was ordered to be issued for his appre- E1sion. A FAITHLESS LOVER. 'William Ashman, of Blaenavon, was summon- 7^ by Eliza Evans to show cause why he should J/°T contribute to the maintenance of her illegiti- mate child, of which she alleged him to be the **THER.—Mr Greenway appeared for complainant, td Mr Watkins for defendant.—After hearing ■J16 evidence, the Bench made an order upon the for the payment of 2s 6d per week and ^TE.—Mr Watkins gave notice of appeal. MORE ILLEGITIMACY. •^William Hunt was summoned by Mary A. J/illiams, of Goytrey, with being the father of ER illegitimate child.—Complainant did not ap- and Mr Plews, who appeared for the defen- ^■NT, asked that the case should be dismissed, re- irking that the woman had taken close upon a J^elvemonth to consider upon whom she could the paternity of her child.—The case was ac- Cordingly struck out. COAL STEALING. Samuel Robins, a boy, pleaded guilty to steal- ING a quantity of coal, at Blaenavon, and was ^ED 10s, or 7 days. VAGRANCY. William Studden, charged with being drunk V^D sleeping on enclosed premises, was sent to ^SK for 7 days. A FEMININE SQUABBLE. Sarah Walters was charged by Caroline Mac- Carthy with assaulting her; and Isabella Jolliffe as summoned by Sarah Walters for assaulting er.-Both parties were bound over to keep the fceace, and ordered to pay 8s 6d each costs. ASSAULTING A FOREMAN. Charles Jones was summoned for assaulting peorge Parry.-—Defendant, who is brother-in- ♦9.W to the complainant, did not appear.—Parry Reposed that he was employed by the Pontypool ron and Tinplate Company. He had occasion TO find fault with the defendant, who also worked there, and discharged him. During the afternoon defendant went to the works in a state of intoxi- cation and struck him. No provocation was given IN the least.—The Bench said it was a serious thing for a man to strike a foreman, and fined the defendant 20s, or 14 days hard labour.

ESSAY ON THE PRESENT STATE OF TilADE." The following is the successful Essay at Mount Pleasant Eisteddfod, written by Mr D. Griffiths, Pontypool:— In a commercial point of view, Britain stands pre- eminent. From the earliest ages of civilisation it has been noted for its commerce. Viewing its history in the past, we read of the commercial treaties entered into by our forefathers, the ancient Britons, with the princes of Phoenicia and other commercial govern- ments of oriental nations. Though the inhabitants of our island and the whole of the civilised word were at that remote age engaged in commercial pursuits, yet trade afterwards, and for centuries, became dormant, and the stillness of death characterised the commer- cial world. During the middle ages, when Popery predominated in our country, commerce was com- pletely paralysed, the inevitable consequence of this blighting religious system it was fettered by super- stitious restrictions, and the whole commercial world was brought to a complete standstill. But on the beginning of the Protestant rule, commerce revived again with redoubled energy and from the days of Elizabeth the darkness of superstition and ignorance was being gradually chased by the light of knowledge aud true religion, so that by the latter part of the nineteenth century the sun of commercial prosperity seemed to have reached the summit of its meridian splendour. Having thus noted our primitive com- mercial distinction, and after a period of dormancy our subsequent success, let us now enter upon the subject of this Essay. Though the limits prescribed will prevent us from doing that degree of justice to it which the subject properly requires, we must be satisfied with taking only a cursory glance at its pre- sent condition, for however severely we should exer. cise the motto .1 Multum-in-parvo," a subject of such magnitude could not be fully and adequately treated without comparing largely the present with the past. The popular definition for the word Trade" is the exchange of one kind of resources or services for another, and trade thus defined is divided into two branches, viz., Home and Foreign." The greatest distinction a nation could aspire to in material things I is commercial greatness. It is the only means for establishing peace and happiness in the land; other successes are of secondary importance. Trade, the same as other objects of kindred nature, is governed by certain laws, and to infringe those laws is to bring about a collapse of its different phases and organisms, which would inevitably result j in a lamentable depression. Comparing the depres- sion which has invaded our country at the present time with the depressions which have before visited us, we cannot but exclaim that the present one seems to have outstripped all the others, viewed in the light of national position. The country around speaks in unmistakeable accents of the present melancholy plight of our trade. Were it possible for us to take flight to a mountain-top overlooking one of our manufacturing towns,we would find the different works which dot the surrounding landscape presentinga most sombre aspect—the forges and mills still and motion- less, and all as in, mourning apparel, bewailing the loss of former prosperity which once lighted up the horizon. The poverty and destitution which are so visible on all parts are sure evidences of the present lamentable state of affairs. And changing our view to the harbours of our seaport towns, we find ships, which were but a few years ago employed in plough- ing the mighty deep with British resources to other countries, now destined to rot and rust for want of motion. These evidences speak better of the present condition of trade than words can describe. The warlike attitude of our Government has impeded the course of our foreign trade, and thus that amicable relation with foreign countries so necessary to pro- mote the commercial prosperity of a country is want- ing, and the present depression has been the conse- quence. Coal, iron, tin, and cotton, are the branches of commerce for which Britain claims pre-eminence. It is said of our iron trade that it is as extensive as the united iron trade of Europe. But during the last five years this, as well as the other trades, has been completely paralysed and almost irrevocably ruined. The prices of the different articles of exportation have been considerably reduced in the market, and the masters are thereby enforced to lower the wages of their workmen; and this the latter have opposed. The natural result has been that the works are closed, and the workmen eventually thrown out of employ- ment. Thus the conntry has been subject to a suc- cession of depressions, and each cf these only the precursor of still greater calamities, while the primal cause was easily avoidable. We would just note also the chief cause of the present depression. It is an unquestionable truth that the Imperial Government ever plays an import- ant part, and contributes much to the success or non- success of the commerce of our country. Casting a retrospect upon the Beaconsfield Government (which has existed throughout during one continual depres- sion of trade), we cannot help thinking of the numer- ous wars our country has been engaged in; and what more blasting to commerce, home and foreign, than war ? Charles Sumner, a well-known orator, declared that the immediate effect of war is "to break off all friendly and commercial relations between the nations engaged in the strife, and impressing upon every citizen the character of the enemy." If such be the case, what room for wonder is there that the present commercial disaster has overwhelmed us. It is true that trade began to decline during Mr Gladstone's Government, but it is as true that it soon revived again. The present depression in agriculture can also be largely attributed to the same cause; and we hesi- tate not to say that it is the punishment of God upon our land for the unchristian manner in which we have dealt with the uncivilised nations of Africa and Asia and other countries. Had the money which has of late been so recklessly wasted in war been em- ployed in enlightening these benighted people, we could have expected that the favour of God would in return bring success in trade and an abundant har- vest of corn, &c. Yet, we are glad to observe that fair prospects have recently appeared in the distant horizon, and with a change of Government it is hoped that matters will again be brought to a former state of prosperity.

IT is announced that Once a Week will appear in a very attractive form with the new year. It will contain some first-class serial stories and social sketches; special articles on the industries of the world and products of the earth also, anniversa- ries of the week; notices of new inventions; re- views of books; pithy paragraphs on current topics, &c., &c. Holloway's Pills and Ointment.-Glad Tidings.— Some constitutions have a tendency to rheumatism, and are throughout the year borne down by its pro- tracted tortures. Let such sufferers bathe the affected parts with warm brine, and afterwards rub in this soothing Ointment. They will find it the best rneans of lessening their agony, and, assisted by Holloway's Pills, the surest way of overcoming their disease. More need not be said than to request a few days' trial of this safe and soothing treatment, by which the disease will ultimately be completely swept away. Pains that would make a giant shudder are assuaged without diffi- culty by Holloway's easy and inexpensive remedies, which comfort by moderating the throbbing vessels and aclming the excited nerves.

SPECIAL EVANGELISTIC SERVICES. SERMON BY THE REV. J. WILLIAMS. On Snnday evening last, at Crane St. Chapel, a sermon was preached by the pastor (the Rev. J. Williams) on the subject of the "Special Evan- gelistic Services." There was a large congregation upon the occasion. The rev. gentleman took his text from the 9th chapter of the Gospel according to St. Mark: "And John answered Him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name, and he followeth not with us and we for- bade him, because he fo'^oweth not with us. But Jesus said, Forbid him for there is no man w hich shall do a miracle in my name that can lightly speak evil of me; for he that is not against us is on our part." The following is a report of the sermon:— You have doubtless already perceived that our text speaks of an unattached,independentChristian worker. There are Christians who are not work- ers there are Christians who are workers; and there are Christian workers, who have a somewhat eccentric way of doing good. Of this last class we have an instance in the text. Here we have a good man doing a great work, but he does it with- out consulting other good men, or without even following their plans. "He casteth out devils /•' yes: but, say the disciples, he follcweth not with us." Thus it is evident that he had, to say the least of it, a very independent way of doing good. As to who this man was, and how caae he to believe in it, and why, after believing, he adopted this inde- pendent course of Christian action, are questions very difficult to answer,—just as difficult as it is to say why all the trees of the forest do not grow the same way and assume the same shape, or why all the flowers in the garden do not exhibit the samp colours. Perhaps Hie who made the oak to differ from the willow, or t& rose from the daisy, male this man even in HiatecK-dnesB to differ from other men. There are dpNitsities of gifts, but the same spirit." And t&jre arc differences of | administrations, but the saa^ Lord." It is evi- dent, however, thf4 'ook at the mat*- They j. l er as t: wned u They beu. 'ght- ing againou ami am, it y of every Christian soldier to stand nanfur by j side, so as to be all the stronger >v ben;" umtea. j But this man, instead of taking Vis place in the j ranks of Christ's army, and figUing under the directing eye of the gres. c Captab. Himself—this man stands aloof, and gves out aione to meet the foe. He is a kind of spiritual guerilla soldier. Now, this independent and irregular method of doing good is not always commendable, and should never be adopted by any man vithout sufficient reasons. That this man had sucl reasons is obvi- ous from the fact that his conduit was defended by the Master Himself. It maybe that he pos- sessed by nature an exceptiomlly .independent mind—a mind that could not folow in the grooves of other minds, but was capable of striking out a separate course for itself, and ws able to do much good in that way, and in no other way. The majority of Christians are strengthened and en- couraged in well-doing by Chiistian fellowship. They feel the inspiration of nunfoers. Their right place is in the ranks. They arehelped by the re- ligious discipline and drill they get there; but there are other good men, wh3 feel themselves hindered and hampered by the legular drill of the ranks. They long to do good aid are capable of doing it,but not in the drilled ard stereotyped way of other people. It. is highly probable that the man referred to in our text was one of that class. But whatever were his reasons for not publicly identifying himself with Christ and His disciples, it is quite clear that the Master deemed them satisfactory. He does not attach a word of blame to the man. And now from the inaa himself let us pass on to consider the work He accomplished, "Casting out devils." And it is worthy of our notice that he did not try to this and fail, as the sons of Sceva tried and failed. But he tried and succeeded. (1) And what a great work ae achieved! To cast out the evil spirits that affibted and degraded his fel- low men. Herod on his throne could not do it. Caesar, with his battalions of soldiers, could not do it. The learning of the age, the wealth of the age, the medical skill of the age, and the priestly power of the age, were unequal to the task. But here you have this obscure disciple of Christ going about from place to place casting out devils wherever he goes. (2) Then again, in addition to its being a great work, it was a good work. Julius Caesar and Napoleon achieved a great work, but no one to-day will undertake to state that the work they accomplished was good and holy. The one verdict of history is this, t&at their great work was cruel, unjust, unholy. But this casting out of the evil spirits. UIMI rained t^° bodiesWd senile < of men, was characterised by tho highest degree j of compassion and goodness and loving-kindness. The sublimest discoveries of science, the noblest achievements of philanthrophy, are but children's play compared with this. A man in the last stages of ruin—a man in the lowest depths of degrada- tion—a man breathing daily and hourly the very atmosphere of hell! Oh, to cast out the evil spirit of such a man to restore him to his right mind to reinstate him once more in his proper place in God's Universe I know of no work so beneficial and holy as this. A higher, nobler work, a work more merciful and godlike, cannot be con- ceived of. And the doing of this godlike work is the one great mission of the Christian Church in the present day. We pity and stand aghast at the poor demoniacs of ancient times. But, brethren, there are evil spirits still in the world, and the souls, if not the bodies of our fellow men, are ac- tually possessed by them. What are covetousness, worldliness, and unbelief? What are malice, hatred, and revenge ? What are vile passions and drunkenness, but evil spirits that possess human souls, and it is our great appointed work as Chris- tians to cast out these evil spirits, and we shall be able to fulfil this great mission of ours only as we have the same spirit and possess the same power as this man had. You will notice that it is dis- tinctly stated here that he cast out devils in or by the name of Christ. It was not by skill or learning; it was not by cunning or craft. No; but in the name of Christ. In a religious, reverent, believing spirit. It is only goodness that can conquer wicked- ness. It is only light that can scatter darkness. And the same conditions are still in force. We are strong to vanquish the sins of our times only in the name of Christ. Without faith in Him we can do nothing. If the evil spirits of our times. are to be cast out, it will be accomplished not by a higher civilisation, not by a superior education, not by improved sanitary measures, nor by more stringent laws, but by the power of goodness and by the force of holiness in the Christian Church, which come through faith in Christ. As it was in olden times, so it is still; the evil spirits that enslave and degrade our fellow men can be cast out only in theb name of Christ. Such, then, was the man mentioned in our text, and such was the great and glorious work he accomplished. Our text teaches, however, that this inde- pendent Christian worker, who had accomplished such good and great things, was nevertheless con- demned by the disciples. We," said the disci- ples, « forbade him to cast out devils, because he followed not with us." Now, in prohibiting this man the disciples manifested (1) a jealous, envi- ous spirit. They blamed a mightier man than any of themselves. He succeeded in doing a great work which was sometimes beyond their own power to accomplish. We read that on one occasion at least they exerted themselves ) the utmost in the at- tempt to cast out an evil spirit, and we find that they ignominiously failed, and had to fall back on thebsuperior power of their Master to deliver them from the shame and disgrace of their failure. But this man's faith being stronger than theirs, he possessed a greater power, and therefore he always achieved what they sometimes failed to do, and yet they blamed him, and in so doing they evidently showed an unworthy jealousy, bordering on envy. (2)And then,in prohibiting this man from doing good they manifested an intolerant spirit. The power of the man was not questioned. The goodness of his work was above all suspicion. It was the very work in which Christ Himself was engaged. The very work which they themselves were commissioned to do, the highest and noblest work which is possible for a human being to un- dertake, and yet the disciples prohibited this man from doing this great work. And our wonder at their intolerant spirit is all the more when we bear in mind that the work done by this man was a most needful work. The field before them was so vast, that there was room enough for him and for the disciples. Though a large number of evil spirits had already been cast out, yet all the evil spirits in the land had not been expelled. Thus Christ and his Apostles, notwithstanding their unremit- ting labours, were unequal to the great task be- fore them. "The harvest was great, but the labourers were few," and hence there was ample room and a crying need for the labours of this man in addition to the efforts of the disciples themselves; and yet, strange to say, the disciples, instead of hailing him as a brother labourer in the great work, foolishly and intolerantly turn him out from the harvest field. They would rather see the good work not done at all than done by this successful man. They would rather see the evil spirits multiplied in the land than see them cast out by a stranger. In effect they gave every liberty to Satan to go on, but this man, who went forth in the name of Christ to destroy the works of the devil they bind and hinder with the harsh fetters of blame and prohibition. And why do they do this ? What cause of complaint have they against this man ? No cause whatever, except jUR this, H he followed not with us." H. is not one of our number. He does not stand with us in the ranks. He does not hold all our views. He does not proceed on our lines. He does not do things exactly as we do them. H He followeth not with us," and therefore must be forbidden. Brethren, this is weakness carried into wickedness; this is jealousy passing into downright intolerance. Nevertheless this unworthy spirit manifested by the disciples is, in the third place, a very common spirit. Much of this uncharitable prejudice is ma. nifested, in the present day, against evangelists and their special services. It is objected that many of these evangelists are illiterate men, and that their lack ef culture and noisy declamation tend to bring the Gospel into disrepute. But, brethren, we must bear in mind that culture is not every- thing. The Apostle Peter was by no means re- markable for his scholarship and learning. The polished Jews and Greeks of his day understood at once, by his speech, that Peter was an unlearned man and yet that unlearned man was the means of converting three thousand souls by one sermon. Learning is good—we must have it in our times— but in the pulpit earnestness is better. Culture is a great power, but in preaching Christ the tongue of fire is greater still. But perhaps the chief ob- jection against evangelists is this. that in the majority of towns their services are not needed, that settled pastors and regular churches are quite equal to the requirements. Now with this view of the case I cannot for a moment agree. I believe the special services of competent evangelists are occasionally needed by the most active churches themselves. Let the settled pastor be ever so dili- gent and earnest, he is apt to find that with his utmost endeavours he'does not quite succeed keep- ing himself and his people up to that fulness of the spiritual life which is essential to Christian advancement. The tendency of all steady, regular methods is to beget coldness and formality, there- fore the most faithful Christian ministers and churches will be glad to get any extraneous help which will tend to kindle their devotion into a brighter flame. And besides, in every town is a large part of tht> Tw->nii 1 reached, and reached either churches, or eve we to do with those vast numbers for whom Christ died ? Are we to leave them alone to perish in their ignorance and sin ? God forbid What then shall we do r Regular churches cannot reach them. No i But evangelists, town missiona- ries, special services, may, and therefore they de- serve the prayers, and sympathy, and support of every Christian man. While we have our forts and solid armies, we also need our light troops of every kind. And though some of these irregular soldiers may not follow with us in everything, though their methods may be different from ours their words from ours, yet if they cast out devils, if they bring lost souls to the Redeemer of men, forbid them not; but rather let them go on in their own way, and let them have our earnest prayers for their success. But in these days none are so much blamed—blamed by the majority of clergymen, and also by many a Dissenting minis- ter, and constantly blamed by the public press— none are so much Warned and so frequently told to keep silence as the Salvation Army. And the one objection urged against them is not that they re- fuse to follow with other churches, but that their mode of conducting their religious services is at times disorderly, foolishly sensational, and fre- quently ludicrous. And if it be said, as many re- vivalists have said, that they designedly adopt this course in order to attract and edify the work- ing classes, then I say that such a statement is an insult to our working men. It is equal to saying that they are so stupid and feeble-minded that they are able to value nothing but horrible anec- dotes, trashy talk, and loud rant. But I know better than that. I have been in the ministry now for over 15 years, and have preached every Sunday to a mixed congregation,—a congregation com- prising men of learning and extensive reading, men of wealth and culture, men of business pos- sessing energy and thought, and working men who earned their daily bread by the sweat of their brow—and my experience is this, the sermons that best pleased the learned and the wealthy were the very sermons that best pleased the artizan and the farm labourer. Working men have as much brains as other people have, and hence they can appreciate freshness of thought and clearness of languageas well as the most learned of our congre- gations. And therefore the man who goes into the pulpit with the notion that our working men re- quire to be fed with spoon food makes a great mistake. It is true that the Salvation Army and other sensational revivalists have been the means of doing much good among the working population of our country; but the good work they do is not done by their needless noise and excitement and sensational ways. I firmly believe more real and lasting good would be done if all these were left out. Hence the good work that is done is accom- plished, not by their theatrical ways, but by their pathetic earnestness, by their direct appeals to the conscience, and chiefly perhaps by their personal visitations from house to house, by entering so thoroughly into the home life of the masses that stand aloof from Christian influences. And work- ing thus in the spirit of the Master who associated with Publicans and sinners, they have been the means of casting out evil spirits from hundreds of ruined, perishing souls. By their instrumentality the degraded have been lifted up, the vile have been purified, drunkards have been made sober, the lost have been found, the dead in trespasses and sins have been awakened into life; and there- fore, since they do cast out evil spirits, we wish them God-speed. Though they follow not with us, though their ways are not our ways, still—since a good work is done, let them go on in their own way. All Christian workers, whether in the ranks or outside the ranks, have our sympathy and prayers, and not only ours, but— Lastly, they have the approval of Christ Him- self. In our text Christ reproves the officious dis- ciples for their harsh treatment of this independent Christian worker. Forbid him not," He says. Jesus, my brethren, does not disapprove of indi- viduality. He does not frown on all eccentric ways of doing good. He looks at the result, not at the method. He has never said that all Christians must work exactly in the same way, and employ exactly the same means. God nowhere approves ofmonotonous uniformity. In nature He has made all the trees of the forest to grow, but very few of them grow precisely in the same way; some, like the poplar, grow tall and slender; others, like the yew, are low and bushy; some grow fast like the willow, and others slow like the oak. All grow, but there is an endless variety in the growth. And then again, God has created all animals and birds and fishes capable of motion, but very few of them move exactly in the same way. Some walk and run on the earth, others fly in the air, others swim in the sea. And by His providence He has made men to differ in thought and feeling and tempera- ment and being differently constituted, they must work, if they work at all, in different ways. One works by feeling, another by reason and argument, another by imagination. God gives every man a full permission to be himself, and to work for Christ in his own way. He means that different men should work in different ways. Diversity of action is needed in the church, and equally needed in the world. And hence, if you carefully read the Bible, you will find that it teaches a much broader cha- rity, and allows to men much greater freedom of Christian action than the most liberal churches have ever done. Our text is not the only instance where Divine inspiration condemns the narrowness and intolerance of good men. In the 11th chapter of Numbers we read that the Spirit of the Lord descended into the hearts of certain obscure men in the Hebrew camp, and impelled by the inspira- tion of that Spirit they began at once to prophesy. On perceiving this, one man, jealous for the honour and power of Moses, ran in haste to the tent of the great leader, and said, H My Lord Moses, for- bid them to prophesy;" and Moses replied, "En- viest thou for my sake ? would to God that all the Lord's people were prophets And the same breadth of view and large tolerance come out in the text. The disciples condemned this good man simply because he followed not with them. But Christ rebukes their unworthy spirit, and defends the man. Forbid him not," He says. Let him have full liberty to go on doing good in his own way, for he is on my side. He is doing my work; he is a fellow-labourer with me. Though he has not confessed me openly before men, though he follows not with my disciples, still he is my ser- vant; he is doing my work, and not the devil's; and so in forbidding him to work you will stop one of the best labourers in my vineyard, you will pre- vent one of my bravest soldiers from fighting against the foe—and in the loss of his service the church will suffer loss, humanity will suffer loss, and I myself will suffer a loss; none will gain ex- cept the evil spirits. Therefore," says Christ, forbid him not; let him cast out the evil spirits in his own way." And what the Master said to them He says to us. Hinder not any evangelist that brings human souls to Christ, however un- learned his speech. Hinder not any revivalist that casteth out evil spirits, however irregular his me- thods, however eccentric his ways, but rather let him have your wishes and prayers for his success. Brethren, the work before us is great, and solemn, and difficult. Our mission is to cast out evil spiiits from our fellow-men. And these evil spirits of ignorance and worldliness, of drunkenness and im- morality, were never more busy in our land than they are to-day. We are doing our best, I hope,4 to cast them out: but in spite of all our efforts, these evil spirits are around us everywhere to-day, ruining the bodies and souls of our fellow-men. Oh, brethren, let us care more than ever for the dying. Let us strive more than ever to rescue the perishing. The gates of heaven are wide open, and angels are calling us in; and the gates of hell are wide open, too, and many there be that go in thereat. Brethren, this is no time for our Chris- tian churches to be sleeping and slumbering. But it is the time for the Zion of God everywhere to awake and put on her strength. It is the time for her to arise from the dust of worldliness, indiffer- ence, and unbelieving weakness, and put on her beautiful garments of prayer and faith and holi- ness. You have heard it announced that a united prayer meeting of the churches of this town is to beld at Mount Pleasant Chapel on Thursday even- ing, to seek God's blessing on the special services that are to follow. I hope that prayer meeting will be largely attended. Let this movement begin at the throne of grace. By beginning with God we shall begin in the right spirit; and if we begin and carry on the work in the right spirit, the z, Divine blessing is sure to follow. The bread cast upon the waters will be found sooner or later. We shall reap, if we faint not. May it be our earnest prayer that the reaping may come soon, and come on a large scale, eo the salvation of perishing souls, and t) the glory of our God. Amen.

BLAENAVON. THE SALVATION ARMY.—A wing of the Salva- tion Army paid this town a visit on Sunday, and marched through the streets, singing. An ad- dress was afterwards delivered to a large crowd of persons assembled near the Post Office. WELSH CONGREGATIONALISM.—The Bethlehem Welsh Independent Chapel anniversary was held on Sunday, and three excellent sermons were preached by the Rev Dr Rees, of Swansea, in the morning and evening in Welsh, and in the after- noon in English. At the latter service there was a large attendance. Good collections were made in aid of the chapel funds. THE REVIVAL.—The revival services in the Pri- mitive Methodist Chapel, by the Rev T. T. Shields, are still continued, and are attended by large numbers of persons from other denominations. The attendance at the morning prayer meetings is very good. Each evening the friends meet at dif- ferent places and sing in procession towards the chapel, where large congregations assemble regu- larly, and the greatest order prevails. THE English Baptist Church, King Street, con- tinues to enjoy a measure of success through the efforts of the esteemed pastor, the Rev O. Tidman. With a view to increased attendance and spiritual prosperity, the rev. gentleman has issued a series of subjects for his Sunday evening discourses, which will no doubt have a great effect on those who hear them. The series commenced on Sun- day evening last, the subject being The signs of the times." Mr Tidman took for his text Luke, ch. 18, part of the 8th verse. The discourse, which was an impressive one, was listened to with great attention by the congregation; and the various topics on which the rev. gentleman dwelt were of a truly enlightening and searching character, each point being confirmed by various portions of Scrip- ture. CONCERT.—On Thursday week, a most successful concert was given at Horeb Baptist Chapel by the choir and friends. The programme consisted of songs, duetts, quartettes, glees, and anthems. The concert was commenced by a pianoforte duet by Mrs Clark and Miss Denner. Duets were also played by the Misses Watkins, and Miss Clark and Miss Gwynttè. Songs were sung by Miss Lewis, Miss A. Morgan, Mr J. Davies, Mr T. James, Mr J. Williams, Mr J. Thomas, and Mr Jones. Duets were sung by Misses Morgan and Williams, as were quartettes by Messrs Williams, Davies, Mor- gan, and Jones. An anthem and a chorus were sung by Mr E. Morgan and Party. The whole was most efficiently rendered. The conductors were Mr T. James and Mr E. Morgan, to whom much praise is due. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Clark and other ladies. Mr Jones, of Pontypool College, presided. The concert ter- minated with the singing, by the chapel choir, of H 0 Father, whose almighty power," from Handel's oratorio, H Judas Maccabajus." About 400 persons were present. The profits were for the funds of the Sunday School.

CWMBRAN. I POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT.—On Monday even- ing, the fourth of the fortnightly entertainments was given in the Wesley Hall. The chair was taken by Mr T. Bennett, who in a few preliminary re- marks referred to these entertainments as being the means of bringing forward local talent not previously known, and to other benefits derived from them in various ways. He then called upon Mr E. G. Morgan, of Pontypool, for a pianoforte solo, which he performed in his well-known excel- lent style. Then followed a reading by Mr Jones, The subscription list," which caused roars of laughter; song, with chorus, The vacant chair," by Mr Parry and Party; duet, Cowslips and Harebells," by the Misses Davis and Wellington, accompanied by Miss Knowles song by Mr O. A. Thomas. Excelsior "—this he sang with great taste, and elicited a hearty encore, to which he re- sponded by singing The missing boat j" a duet (violin and harp), Ye mountain breezes," by Mr and Mrs Highley), was very nicely played; song, by Miss Driscoll, Send back my Barney ^(en- cored) song, The home of the green leek," Mr L. R. Davis (Llew Cynon); reading, "Women's rights," Mr Highley; song, by Miss Davis," Sweet home," accompanied by Miss Knowles. The im- promptu speech for juveniles under 16 years of age caused roars of laughter. Four competed, the sub- ject being The cuckoo." The prize of 2s was divided—John Highley, Is 6d; Arthur Jones, 6d. The usual vote of thanks to the chairman and those who had taken part in the entertainment brought a very pleasmt meeting to a close.

FOOTBALL. PONTYPOOL v. ABEKDARE.—These two teams, having to decide between them one of the ties in the South Wales Challenge Match, played a game on the Pontypool Ground on Thursday, the 13th inst, which resulted in a draw, Pontypool claiming a cc try," which was afterwards decided against them in arbitration. The game therefore had to be played over again, and yesterday (Thursday) the Pontypool team (two men short) went to Aberdare for the purpose. Play was kept up with much spirit, and resulted in a try" for Aberdare, who thus defeated Pontypool. It appears that this try was what may be termed given to Aberdare by a misunderstanding on the part of two of the Pontypool team, who in consequence did not pre- vent one of their opponents from running with the ball, although they might easily have done so. The ill-luck of Pontypool is unfortunate, as by it they are now out of the Challenge Match. Let us hope for better fortune another day.

[BY TELEGRAPH.] BRISTOL CATTLE MARKET.—THURSDAY. 2000 store cattle in market, but trade not so good, many being left unsold. Large supply, chiefly middling, and difficult to sell at 50s to 56s. Any- thing choice made GSs to 70s. Moderate supply of sheep; trade firm. Best, 8d to 8jd; seconds, 6d to 7d. Moderate supply of pigs; trade quiet. Bacon pigs sold from 9s 6d to 9s 7d; porkers at 10s.

TDSTONE CORN MARKET.—THURSDAY. mples of wheat and barley keep about -3 last week, but vary much on ac- che great difference in quality. Feeding bluffs are low, and slow sale at late rates.

BRISTOL CORN MARKET.—THURSDAY. English wheat in fair supply; prices unaltered. Foreign in fair demand, at Is to 2s advance upon last week. Barley, 3d cheaper. Maize, 3d dearer. Oats steady.

LONDON CATTLE MARKET.—THURSDAY. 900 beasts in market to-day, including foreign; firmer, 4s to 5s 8d. 2860 sheep; 600 foreign; quiet; 4s to 6s 6d. 150 calves; 5s to 6s per 81bs.

LONDON HAY MARKET.—THURSDAY. Good supply trade quiet; prices unchanged; prime clover, 100s to ] 2Gs; inferior, 70s to 95s- Prime meadow hay,85s to 94s inferior, 30s to 75s. Straw, 30s to 36s per load.

A jlEAiOliY. In January, 1817, in Australia, a prisoner set up as his defence on trial an alibi, claiming to have been, at the time the complainant was robbed, at home in his own hut, listening to the recital of Horace Walpole's novel, The Old Baron," which a man named Lane had, with other novels, committld to memory, the matter of lon time being disposed of by the declaration that Lane's recital took two hours and a half. The attorney-general declared that this was incredible, whereupon Lane. clear- ing his throat, began: "In the time of King Henry, when the good Duke Humphrey returned from the ware in the Holy Land, where he had been sojourning a number of years, there lived-" and had recited several pages when the attorney told him to stop, he was quite satisfied. But the counsel for the defence was net, and insisted that as the veracity of his witness had been questioned, the witness should be allowed to set himself right, also to prove the allegation as to time by reciting the whole novel. Do yon expect me to take it all down as evidence?' stammered the chief-justice, in great dismay and finally a compromise was arrived at, and Lane gave a chapter from the middle of the story and its conclusion. The prisoner was acquitted.

THE FLORA. OF THE SEA-SHORE. While the botanist and the lover of plants who makes no pretension to scientific study alike delight to wander by the hedgerows, to follow the source of some of our winding streams, to search amidst the ripening grain in our corn-fields, to peer into the nooks and crannies of some old ruin or of some weather-beaten cliff, or to lose themselves amidst the far-etretching shelter of some noble forest, sure that in all these varying circumstances some interesting and beautiful forms will reward their search, we can hardly imagine that the botanist alone would ordinarily — dreary-looking sa! the sea-coast. Yt spots have a floi extensive as tha. above enumerates can vie in grace w or the stream, but wniou many who had never explored its uuproiui0._0 would imagine, and that contains many quaint ana beautiful forms which can be seen in such situations alone. The hard conditions under which these plants have to grow, gives them often, too, a wierd and angu- lar individuality that is very curious something like that of trees growing near some open coast which show clearly how hard the struggle for existence has been the branches seem blown landward, and the whole form id cripp ed and bereft of its natural appearance in the hard figlit against the black salt-laden winds that re-r at times with an almost resistless fury over the inhos- pitable ahore.-Familar Wild Flowers.

MADAMF, LE BRUN. Madame Le Bruu was one of the most eminent por- trait-painters of her generation. Her period of activity —she was bom in 1755 and died in 1842-was coinci- dent with most eminent changes and events in France, ot many of which she wae a personal witness. Her pro- fession brought her into very familiar intercourse with the highest classes of society, and her talents earned for her the respectful notice, and often the most con- siderate attention, of kings, empresses, and princes, and of the nobility in general. Finally, a score or more of her most importantyears were divided between Italy, Germany, Russia, and England, in each of. winch coun- tries she appears equally at home, and shines as only an illustrious and virtuous woman can, the favourite at court, the lion of society, the ornament of her pro- fession. As a portrait-painter, Madame Le Brun had made her reputation at the age of twenty, when she was still plain Mademoiselle Vigee. Her portraits of Car- dinal Fluery and La Bruyere, made at that time from engravings, and presented to tile Academy Francaise, earned for her the very flattering recognition of that society, conveyed in a note from D'Alembert. It be- came the fashion in Paris to have one's portrait painted by this young lady. In 1792 she painted, for the first time the portrait of Marie Antoinette, then in all the brilliancy of her youth and beauty, and she afterwards did nlttiiyothertsiflic-r. The last sitting the queen gave her was at inauon, where her head was painted for the large picture representing her and her children. With the exception of Comte d Artois, the painted all the royal family of France in succession, and in 1783 her successes secured for her the exceptional honour of admission tq the Itoval Academy. By this time she was a centre- piece in Paris society, and in the circles whio-U f;?*vercd a round her were represented the notabilities' of tte time.

A VISIT TO SELKIRK'S ISLAND. As we neared the island of Juac Fernandez the sight was very fine. 1 think I have seldom seen a more remarkable and picturesque view than the approach to the anchorage presented, composed as it was of great mountains, torn and broL an into every conceviable fantastic shape, with deep ravines by which, during the winter months, the torrents swept down from the pre- eipitous peaks and pinnacles, rising one above the other, and cnlminating in a great mass three thousand feet high, named the Anvil. Inis is wooded from the summit to the base, which are indications of its having been at one time cleared for cultivation, probably at a time when the Spaniards had a colony here, for the stone walls which served to divide the enclosure are still to be seen. There are also the remains of a small fort and a few tumble down shanties in which, at the present time, dwell some forty or fifty people who get a precarious living by rearing cattle, cutting wood, &c., for supplies to vessels that occasionally call here. It was late in the evening when we anchored in Cumber- land Bay, in twenty-five fatti,m.4-i pleasaiat, secluded spot with precipitous cliffs ali around us and a good beach for landing, and roadcS leading up to the settle- ment. Time would not permit a longer stay than two days here, and that Wf.r3 made the most of. All the places immortalised by Selkirk were visited—the caves, "His Valley." "His Lookout," &0. This gap is some two thousand feet above the level of the sea, and from it a glorious view was obtained both north and south. "Robinson" ueed to di-.ily visit and wearily watch for the coming sail. Here her Majesty's ship Topaz, in 18G3, placid a tablet. Hill and-dalo were tramped over by naturalists and others and numerous specimens of plants and birds obtained; and, what was very accepta- ble, plenty of flesh food, for the bay proved a prolific fishing ground, and from the settlement beef of au extra quality was to be had. At the present time, Juan Fernandez is leased to a Chilian, rvho employs the set- tlers in wood cutting, attending the cattle, ni,if in the season seal hunting, of which at tini ia thev cautur large numbers.—San Francisco Paper.

Th Sydney Morning Hcr. cf the 1st October I ports that the steamer Strathleven, designed to t the possibility of conveying frozen meat from A tralia, is to leave Sydney for London about > middle of November. She will take from Syd' COO carcases of beef, 200 of mutton,%and a quan of wool, and fill up similariy in Melbourne. The John Bull hears that the fate of the haD OxforJ have been decided upon. New Inn Hall i be appropriated to the reception of native candidf for the Indian Civil Service. St. Mary Hall will mcr-cd in Oriel College; St. Alban Hall will be all sorbed by the neighbouring college of Merton. St Edmun 1 Ilall will still retain a separate existence. The Americans are threatening to send supplies 0: anthracite from Pennsylvania to Europe, and tht French Vice-Consul at Philadelphia reports that er- per c ea al shipments have shown that it can b ii-:ir ard sold at a profit in France at from £ to n -13. per ton. The anthracite beds of Penney] vauiii are s .il to cover an area of 350 square miles.

POLICE COURT. MONDAY.—Before the Rev J. C. LLEWELLIN and C. J. PAKKES, ESQ. A NEGLECTFUL FATHER. John Powell, who had been apprehended on a ^arrant, was charged with neglecting to pay £3 Is, arrears due under a bastardy order—De- fendant pleaded inability on the ground of bad times."—An order was made for the pay- ment of 5s a week until the debt was cleared off, and in default of compliance a committal to prison. WEDNESDAY.—Before the same Magistrates. DRUNKENNESS. Johanna Bryan, a middle-aged woman, was charged with being drunk on licensed premises. —P.O. Blaydon stated that ho visited the Foun- tain Inn and found the prisoner lying drunk in front of the fire.—The Deputy Chief Constable stated that she was a confirmed drunkard.—The Banch fined her las, or seven days hard labour, refusing to grant time for payment. DUCK STEALING. Wm. Groves and John Morris, two young men employed at Poutypool Road, were charged with stealing three ducks, the property of Geo. Harris.—Prosecutor's daughter deposed to miss- ing the fowls from the cot on the morning of the 9th inst.The feathers produced corresponded in colour with the fowls taken from their yard. Henry Babb stated that late at night on the 8th inst. Groves asked him if he wanted a duck, as his father had some to dispose of. On the Sunday morning following he took a duck to his house, for which witness paid him 2s 6d.— Jamea Williams said that he bought two ducks of Groves for 2s 6d, prisoner having first asked him if he wanted a Sunday's dinner.—P.c. Gardner said he apprehended the prisoners. In auswer to the charge, Groves admitted having stolen the ducks in company with Morris.— Both prisoners pleaded guilty, and had nothing to say in defence.—The Chairman said the Bench were of opinion that Morris had acted under the influence of Groves, and the sentence upon him was that he be imprisoned for one month. Groves would go to gaol for two months hard labour.

STREET OBSTRUCTIONS. At the Police Court, on Monday (before the Rev J. C. Lleweilin and C. J. Parkes, Esq.), a number of summonses were heard against parties for obstructing the public streets by placing goods outside their shop windows. Mr E. Stephens, surveyor, prosecuted, by order of the Local Board. The following is a list of defendants :— Mr Evan Jones, draper; Messrs Williams and Company, drapers; Messrs E. Fowler and Son, drapers; AIrs Potter, draper; Messrs W. Bun- ning and Co., ironmongers Mr Thos. Edwards, draper Mr Thomas Lewis, butcher; Mr John Naish, basket-maker. The defendants severally pleaded Not guilty,' and Mr Stephens deposed to having seen the ob- structions. In answer to Mr Lewis, The Surveyor stated that the goods outside his (Mr Lewis's) shop obstructed the pavement. He had measured the distance, and found that the projection was greater than the bye-laws allowed. Mr E. Fowler said he had permission from the surveyor to hang goods outside to the extent of six inches. He had, however, given instruc- tions to his young people not to hang goods out- side, and these instructions had been faithfully obeyed. He should be happy to act in accordance with any suggestion of the Bench. Mr Bunning asked the surveyor if these pro- ceedings had been taken by the instruction of the Local Board ? The Surveyor answered in the affirmative. He had only once before been instructed to take pro- ceedings. He did not prepare a list of offenders for anybody to see, but did prepare one for his own guidance in the matter. Mr Bunning Can you tell me why action was not taken against certain parties who were on the list? The Surveyor replied that it was because they had not offended since the warning. The inten- tion of the Board to prosecute was distinctly re- ported in the FREE PRESS, and everyone knew. Mr Bunning Is it not a fact that all on the list were not summoned because it included mem- bers of the Local Board, and among them the chairman ? (applause in court.) I think it only lair to the other ratepayers that this should be known. Several members of the Board, includ- ing the chairman, were amongst the lot. The Surveyor: Certainly not. If you will read the FREE PRESS you will see why they were not summoned. Mr Bunning: I met you in the street yester- day morning, and I asked you if any member of the Board was summoned. The Surveyor: And I said No." Mr Bunning maintained that it was the mem- bers of the Local Board who ought to have been summoned first. If they would conform to the law he should be glad to do so. Until they did so he should not relinquish the practice. Mr Jones said he had not hung anything out- side his shop since notice had been given him not to do so. The Surveyor: It was distinctly stated in the FREE PRESS that these prosecutions were to be instituted, and after that appeared I gave a week's notice. The reason why others were not sum- moned is because they ceased to continue the practice. Some of the members of the Board pleaded guilty at the meeting, but they had not since obstructed the streets. Mr Bunning: Why don't you summon them. Members of the Board have goods now at this minute exposed in a worse condition than mine were. Mr Parkes: Nothing can be more humiliating than for a member of the Board, which is the local authority, to summon any townsman for an offence which he has himself also committed (ap- plause). I think it far from a gracious act. The Chairman: We feel in this case that you have all been guilty, but that you have been mis- led in the matter with regard to the six inches. The surveyor has no power to give you such per- mission, and he does not admit having done so. At the same time it is our opinion that having goods outside shops is a most objectionable prac- tice, and a great temptation to the dishonest. At courts of quarter sessions they have long since re- fused to allow costs to prosecutors when goods have been stolen which were so exposed at the time. We hope that this will be the means of putting a stop to it, and only inflict the nominal penalty of Is. Mr Parkes: I must express a hope that we shall hear no more of any exemption because the defendant is a member of the Board. The defendants then paid the fins, which did not include costs, and the proceedings terminated.

DEPARTED FRIENDS. Our friends are fast departing, Each following in the train; They pass away in silence, Ne'er to return again. But, still they may be near us, Our actions to survey; To help us in our sorrows, And cheer us on our way. We know not where the land is— That land which saints love best— Where life's streams pure are flowing, Where souls for ever rest. We miss them from among us, Their kind and genial smile; The loving words they uttered, Which still our way beguile. E'en now the word of counsel Still lingers in the ear, In softest accents chiming To banish every fear. Alas the tongue is silent, The heart is cold and still, There's nothing but the mantle That clothed the gentle will. Yet soon that poor frail body Must hasten to decay: 'Tis but the cast-off fragment Of Nature's moulded clay. The silver cord is loosen'd; The cistern wheel undone; The pitcher now is broken; And life's short race is run. Mourners about the streets For lost ones heave a sigh; Grief's traces mark the cheek, And tears bedim the eye. We, too, must follow after, We cannot tell how soon; Whether in evening's twilight Or in the sunny noon. The way we all must travel, They've only gone before; Perhaps to be our escort When passing Death's dark door. Though others then may miss us When we've, too, passed away Death's but the narrow portal That leads to endless day. J. H.

REFORM IN FIRE GRATES.—Mr. J. J. Mechi will, for the public good, send (on application, accom- panied by a postage stamp) instructions for the construction of the Parson's" or "Front-fire Grate." The tested gain by the use of this grate is an increase of 15 degrees of temperature, with a saving of one-third in fuel. Mr. Mechi believes that there are several millions of grates on the wrong principle, hurrying the heat up the chimney instead of into the room, and thus causing an in- draught of cold air—this is especially the case with strong-drawing Registers. No part of a grate should be of iron, except the thin front bars, for iron is a conductor away of heat, but fire-bricks are not %o>—Tiptree Hall, Kelvedon, Essex.

LITERATURE. U GOBLIN ROCK:" THE CHRISTMAS NUMBER OF ONCE-A-WEEK."—Many of our readers recollect Ship Ahoy," a former Christmas Annual issued by the enterprising publishers of Once-a-Week." This year's annual is written in the same graphic and powerful style, and the plot abounds in dramatic situ- ation of an exciting interest. The characters are boldly and, as it were, rapidly sketched by a master hand, their individualities being well sustained throughout; and love, jealousy, revenge, attempts to murder, shipwreck, rescues, and various other inci- dents, follow each other in rapid succession. The extract below will show something of the character of the work, and of the power of condensation pos- sessed by the author :— What ship is it V' he cried, in a. deep lusty voice. A barque, Harry Brack, my ship, cried the old man, excitedly. "The life-boat's driven back, Steve Curnow hurt—no coxswain,—will you go 1" '■Go? what with the life-boat?" was shouted backj and Judy made a step forward with the word No upon her lips but it was not uttered, for ere she could speak the new comer exclaimed Yes, I'll go if the lads will trust me." H Yes, yes, they will, they will," cried Master St. Just. Quick, my lads, quick, you may save her; the tide is ebbing fast, a salvage if you do—she is a rich ship—save all-life first-the ship after, and God bless you." There was a cheer at this, for the new comer was evi- dently a favourite, and he was about to hurry into the life-boat which was being kept afloat in the shelter of a great lugger by a couple of men, when by the light of one of the lanterns he, for the first time, caught sightof Judy standing nearly up to her knees in the foam and seaweed. H You here, Miss Judith," he exclaimed. For heaven's sake go away from this." I cannot leave my father," she panted, as she gazed wistfully in his muffled face, half-hidden by the great sou'-wester, and the turned-up collar of his oilskin coat He will take you up," said the new comer, bending down to speak, so that his words might not be heard by those around. Go ashore yonder, and say a prayer for us, Miss St. Just; we are going on a dangerous errand." But must you go ?" she said, piteously. Yes," he said, quietly, as he held out his wet hand I don t think you would like it if 1 refused." There was a shout just then, for a rocket was seen to rise from out of the darkness, and the young man ex- claimed: If I don't come back, Miss Judith, just think some- times that Harry Brack had his heart on you to the last." You shall not go," cried Judith, "Oh! father, what have you done ?" But the words were swept inwards by the rushing wind, for she was standing alone, and by the flickering light of the lanterns, and gleaming white water she saw the life-boat push off.