Many of the hymns used were composed by himself, and none who heard can forget the fervour and reality of his praises, whilst his unceasing spirit of prayer was not to be mistaken. He ever rejoiced in the "blessed hope" of Christ's second coming, but guarded against the mistake of those who attempt to define "times and seasons" which are not revealed. Watchfulness, prayer, work, and praise were his watchwords through life.

Mr. Pennefather's mortal remains were conveyed to Ridge, near Barnet, and buried by the side of his dear friend Captain Trotter :

"And round his grave are quietude and beauty,

And the sweet heaven above,

The fitting symbol of a life of duty

Transfigured into love."

JANE RANSOM.

1878-9.

A TANGLED web,

That we would fain unravel once again;

A blotted page,

Fraught with deep lessons both of joy and pain.

On rich and poor,

In palace halls and lowly dwelling-place,—
The sacred cross

Of sorrow's baptism has left its trace.

The Scourge

of war

On far-off lands has shed its baneful breath;

And even here

Grim want and crime have done their work of death.

And from the whirl

Of evil, as it seems to rule around,

Our dizzy souls

Strive to look upwards, seeking solid ground.

We would be taught—

This earth, so full of sin, so beauteous still,
Is but a school

In which through varied ways we learn God's will.

One prayer we raise,

Now in the dawning of another year

Teach us that will,

As it is done in Heaven, even here.

December 31st, 1878.

Notices of Books Received.

L. MANLEY.

WE have received the very interesting autobiography of John B. Gough—a book that for deep and truthful interest is deserving the perusal of all, apart from its special value in relation to the cause of total abstinence. We hope to review it and the "Eight Orations," by the same gifted speaker, in our next number; also the "Philosophy of Christianity," by, our valued friend, P. D. Chace, LL.D., of Haverford College, United States (read before the American Philosophical Society, February, 1879).

The "Uses of Biography," by C. M. James, is in type, but unexpectedly crowded out of the present number.

Symposium No. 3, on the Raison d'être of the Society of Friends in this age, will appear in our next number.

It is intended to hold the usual annual reunion of writers on Fifth-day evening, Fifth Month 22nd, at the Devonshire House Hotel, to which all past and present writers in this periodical are cordially invited by the Publishing Committee. Tea at 7 p.m.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

All Communications and Subscriptions should be sent to the Publishers, BARRETT, SONS & Co., 21, Seething Lane, London, E.C.; and all MSS. for insertion, and Books for Review, should be forwarded to the Honorary Editor, W. C. WESTLAKE, Southampton, at least one month before the day of publication.

THE

FRIENDS' QUARTERLY EXAMINER.

A

Religious, Social, & Miscellaneous Review.

No. LI.-SEVENTH MONTH, 1879.

N.B.-The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed in any article bearing the signature of the writer.

LONDON YEARLY MEETING, 1879.

FOLLOWING the precedent of former years in relation to this important annual gathering of Friends, we do not propose giving a detailed account of the subjects introduced, or the discussions which took place; these have been so fully reported in the columns of the Friend and British Friend that we shall content ourselves with allusions to certain portions of the proceedings which seem to us to invite further amplification or comment.

The Meetings on Ministry and Oversight were occasions of unusual interest and depth of feeling and thought. The reports from the Quarterly Meetings opened the way for a very free discussion of the whole question of Christian ministry, and led to much pertinent and valuable counsel on the need that those who are called to the public preaching of the word should give themselves heartily to the service, seeking to realise the baptism of the Holy Spirit in enlarged

Y

measure, and to know His abiding influence resting upon them. The peculiarity of Gospel ministers in the Society of Friends in their having no payment for their services was enlarged on, and the difficulties which may on this account at times present themselves before those who have to provide outwardly for their own families, were feelingly entered into; whilst, on the other hand, it was strongly felt that the fact of many of our ministers being engaged in business concerns was not only apostolic in practice, but advantageous to those of like passions and pursuits with themselves, over whom Christ has made them overseers.

Two

None can so effectually sympathise with the tried man of business as those who have themselves shared in like trials, and great would be the loss to our Society if its ministers were expected to forego providing things lawful in the sight of all men, and become a class set apart either by wealth or by salary from the other members of the community. hundred years' experience has shown that the Lord will provide for and equip those whom He sends forth into the Harvest field. Christ Jesus has in His own person shown forth the dignity even of manual labour. He has sanctified and approved it in every degree, so long as it be done to His glory and carried on in His fear. The temptations are doubtless both great and numerous, but His grace is sufficient for them that first seek to do His will.

The usual certificates for ministers from abroad were read, commending them to the loving sympathy and help of Friends in this country; and "returning minutes," expressive of thankfulness and satisfaction with their labours, were given to our valued American friends Barnabas C. Hobbs and Dougan Clark, who were about to return home to America.

On Fourth-day Morning, Fifth Month 21st, the

Yearly Meeting proper commenced its sittings, with about the usual attendance. The vacant seats of not a few who, since last year, have been taken from amongst us to their eternal home were very discernible, and tended to solemnise the feelings under which the assembly gathered. An earnest prayer by an American minister was followed by special supplication on behalf of the down-trodden races on the face of the earth, the heathen, and for those under every denomination who were labouring amongst them seeking to bring them to the knowledge of the Truth; for rulers and those in authority, that peace and right might prosper more and more; and for ourselves that we, as individuals and as a church, may earnestly mind our calling and be found striving to do God's will.

After the calling over of the names of Representatives the usual discussion arose as to the mode of opening the sittings, and with the usual result of leaving things as they were. To suppose that three or five minutes' grace after the fixed time for assembling is needful to enable Friends to be present is a strange argument in these days of railway punctuality; neither can we admit the validity of plea that it is inconsistent with our principles to have a short time of absolute silence before reopening the proceedings each day. It is one of the many privileges which we enjoy as a religious community, that neither vocal preaching nor prayer are essential preliminaries to a religious meeting. It is most unusual, even in our meetings for worship, that the opening silence should be broken before five minutes have elapsed, and if these restraining regulations are broken except on very rare occasions, those absent at the time, as as well as those present, would suffer loss.

The North American Epistles, as well as that from Dublin, were read as usual, and much interest was excited in their loving contents and brotherly spirit.