New Year's Addresses.

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MANY of our readers will, we are sure, be looking out during this month, for New-Year's Addresses for their own reading, and to send to friends: so we give a list of those which we can thoroughly recommend. "Where is the Guest Chamber?" by Sophia M. Nugent, is sure to be a favourite with all our readers. Raising the Dust; or the searching Work of the Spirit," is a helpful word by the Rev. E. W. Moore. Both these are published by Partridge & Co., 9, Paternoster Row, London, E.C.; price Id. each. "A New Start for the New Year" is a searching message by Captain Dawson; published by Shaw & Co., 48, Paternoster Row, London, E. C.; price id. The Rev. G. Everard has issued "Much Fruit” (Nisbet & Co., 21, Berners Street, London, W.), and "Where Next?" (Drummond's Tract Depôt, Stirling, N.B.) These are price Id. each, and sure to be helpful. All these can be ordered of any bookseller, or will be forwarded by their respective publishers on receipt of stamps. Then there is yet another which should be read by all, by the Rev. C. A. Fox, of Eaton Chapel, London, entitled, A Bright Henceforth;" price 2d.; published by Partridge & Co. With such a supply to choose from, there ought to be no difficulty in sending a word in season to our friends at this time.

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Books Worth Reading.

By the Editor.

ILLUSTRATIONS AND MEDITATIONS; OR FLOWERS FROM A PURITAN'S GARDEN, by C. H. Spurgeon (Passmore & Alabaster, 2/6), is a little book which many will value. It is a collection of devotional readings, each founded on some terse sentence, or telling illustration gathered from the works of Thomas Manton, the Puritan divine. Telling as Manton's remarks are, they are not more so than those of Mr. Spurgeon, who is generally happy in his methods of expression. Stories of deep spiritual truth and sanctified common sense abound in the book. Preachers and Class Teachers will find it specially useful. YOUR INNINGS. By the Rev. G. Everard (Nisbet & Co., 1/-.) This is a small volume written especially for School-boys, and is admirably adapted for its object. Mr. Everard's style is always attractive; and this book is no exception to the rule. It deals with subjects of vital interest to boys in a simple, manly spirit, and we think that it is calculated to be of much use. It seems to us specially a book for parents to give to their sons. The only pity is that it contains matter which would confine its circulation to members of the Church of England. Surely it might have been written without sectarian bias. A FEW THOUGHTS FOR MEMBERS OF CHURCH CHOIRS, by J. C. Duncan, B.A. (Nisbet & Co., 3d.), is a useful collection of thoughts, texts, and prayers for Members of Choirs. THE GOOD SHEPHERD, by James B. Allen (Elliot Stock, 4/-), a volume in exposition of the 23rd

Psalm, full of spiritual thought, and likely to be very helpful. GOD'S LIGHT ON DARK CLOUDS, by Theodore L. Cuyler, D.D. (Hodder & Stoughton, 1/6), is a series of short papers specially addressed to the desponding and bereaved. The author describes them as "words of sympathy and cheer," and they certainly answer to the description. We heartily recommend them. CHRISTIAN WOMANHOOD, by Mary P. Hack (Hodder & Stoughton, 5/-), a most interesting collection of biographies of Christian women eminent for holiness and labour for God, which we hope will be widely read. LIFE Of George WHITFIELD, by J. R. Andrews (Morgan & Scott, 1/-), is a cheap edition of the 5/- volume, published some years ago. The publishers have done good service in placing this interesting and valuable biography of the great preacher within the reach of all. SACRED STREAMS; OR, RIVERS OF THE BIBLE, by Philip Henry Gosse, F.R.S. (Hodder & Stoughton, 3/6), is a new edition of a very interesting work, containing much useful information, and valuable Scripture exposition. WISE WORDS AND LOVING DEEDS, by E. Conder Gray (Fisher Unwin, 3/6), is "a book of biographies for girls.' It contains an interesting account of ten saintly women, and is sure to be a favourite with the girls, for whom it is specially written. THE EARNEST CHRISTIAN, by Mrs. H. A. Gilbert (Seeley & Co. 3/6), is the memoir, letters, and journals of Harriet Maria Jukes. It is a new edition of a life which has been much blessed to many readers in five previous editions, and has been published in a cheaper form at the earnest wish of many who knew the value of the book. We are sure that our readers will find it a help, and we heartily commend it to their notice.

WORKS OF FICTION.-Those who wish for healthy stories, with direct religious aim, cannot do better than obtain any of the following :DUSTY DIAMONDS, CUT AND POLISHED; a tale of City Arab Life and Adventure, by R. M. Ballantyne (5/-); STEPHEN, M.D., by the Author of "The Wide, Wide World" (3/6); MOTHER'S QUEER THINGS; OR, A BAG OF STORIES, by Anna Warner (2/6); SPOILT GUY (2/6), and CISSY'S TROUBLES (3/6), both by Darley Dale; all published by Nisbet & Co.

Daily Bible Thoughts for the Month.

ON THE UNION OLD TESTAMENT READINGS. By Blanche A. Rowan.

LEVITICUS VI. TO NUMBERS IX.

DECEMBER I.-Leviticus vi. 12, 13. So that those souls who leave themselves and their all upon the altar as a living sacrifice (Rom. xii. 1) may rest assured that the purifying fire shall ever be doing its work.

December 2.-Ch. vii. 30. "His own hands shall bring the offering.' Does not this teach us that we must not wait to be deprived of either blessings or hindrances, but ourselves yield them unto the Lord?

December 3.-Ch. viii. 23, 24. Notice the practical setting apart of the ear, the hand, and foot. First the ear. Are we as careful not to

listen to harmful, foolish things, as to abstain from joining in such conversation? Only thus shall we be "kept."

December 4.-Ch. ix. 23. Thus only can we be channels of blessing. First, being in the presence of the Lord ourselves; then going forth with Him to others; then His glory appears 66 upon us (Is. lx. I

Ex. xxxiv. 29).

December 5.-Ch. x. I. See Lev. xxx. 9. God's judgment upon disobedience and self-willed activity. See our place in verses 7-10. "Abide in Me." Would that we were ever thus "door-keepers in the house of the Lord!"

December 6.-Ch. xi. 3. Notice the two essential things-chewing the cud, feeding on Christ; and the cloven hoof, swiftness to run His errands. But both must go together; either alone constituted the animal unclean.

December 7.-Ch. xii. We see here the death of Christ as the only thing which can and does fully meet the defilement connected with our birth as children of Adam (Ps. li. 5; Job xxv. 4).

December 8.-Ch. xiii. Leprosy in the garment or skin suggestive of sin in our surroundings or ways. Every doubtful thing must be set aside till we get a Divine conviction about it.

December 9.-Ch. xiv. We see in the two birds a beautiful type of Christ in death, and Christ in resurrection. But it is the blood of the slain bird which cleanses, the living bird ascends in token that the work is complete.

December 10.-Ch. xv.

defiled.

Human nature is in itself hopelessly "We learn afresh the expiatory value of the blood of Christ, and the cleansing, purifying, and sanctifying virtues of the precious Word of God."

December 11.-Ch. xvi. 2.

Contrast with Heb. x. 19-22 (ix. 8.) There is but one way, a blood-sprinkled way, into the Holiest-no way of ordinances or good works can lead us within the veil.

December 12.-Ch. xvii. II. This is a clear denial to those who would teach us that the sufferings of Christ during His life were expiatory. (See also Heb. ix. 22; Eph. i. 7; Col. i. 14.)

December 13.-Ch. xviii. Notice the frequent recurrence of the words, "I am the Lord." It teaches us that His Name is involved in the ways of His people.

December 14.-Ch. xix. 16, 17. This is a most important command. "It has been well remarked that a tale-bearer injures three personshe injures himself, he injures his hearer, and he injures the subject of his tale" (Jas. iii. 5).

December 15.-Ch. xx. 7, 8. The two sides of sanctification, our part, in ver. 7, "Yielding ourselves unto the Lord" (Rom. vi. 13; xii. 1; Matt. v. 29, 30; 2 Cor. vii. 1). God's part, ver. 8 (1 Thess. v. 23: Acts xv. 9).

December 16.-Ch. xxi. How repeatedly we are taught we must walk carefully ourselves if we are seeking to minister to others. There must be no lameness, no defective vision, or stunted growth. Sons we may be, but are we "obedient children?

December 17.—Ch. xxii. 11. We are "bought with a price." Are

we feeding with our Great High Priest upon His meat? See what it was-His Father's will (Jno. iv. 34). Joy over the returned prodigal (Luke xv. 23, etc.)

December 18.—Ch. xxiii. The seven great "feasts of the Lord." Contrast ver. 44 with Jno. v. I, vi. 4, "feast of the Jews." He was shut out of them: so in Jno. vii. 37, He calls all thirsty souls, outside everything, TO HIMSELF.

December 19. Ch. xxiv. 2-4. Lamps burning continually. What are we? pure candlesticks upon which the Spirit of God can hold up the Light of the world? (Jno. i. 9). See what the results would be (Jno. xii. 32; Matt. v. 16).

December 20.-Ch. xxv. Those who lived in anticipation of the year of jubilee, learnt to sit very loosely to the things held only for a short term of years. Are we not expecting Christ's return at any hour?

Is it a separating hope?

December 21.-Ch. xxvi. 40-43. See God's mercy which "reacheth unto the clouds," providing for the first indications of repentance, confession of sin, and acceptance of its inevitable consequences.

December 22.-Ch. xxvii. 28. How we need solemnly to be reminded that nothing we have ever given to the Lord can be taken back to our own use except at most solemn loss.

December 23.-Numbers i. "The walk and warfare of the wilderness. Notice two qualifications in this chapter. They "declared their pedigree" (1 Jno. iii. 2), they were men "able to go forth to war (2 Tim, ii. 21; iii. 17).

December 24.-Ch. ii. 2. What is our standard? Just what Judah's "The lion of the tribe of Judah who hath prevailed." He is our banner, and His victory is the earnest of ours.

was.

December 25.—Ch. iii. 9. 66 Wholly given unto Him." Is this true of each of us this Christmas morning? If so, here is His reply, "Mine shall they be" (ver. 13), "To me to live is Christ."

December 26.-Ch. iv. Let us ask ourselves, "What has the Lord given me to do," as we observe how carefully different special work was assigned to each of these four families of the Levites.

December 27.—Ch. v. 3. presence demanded holiness. dwell in a cleansed heart.

"In the midst of which I dwell." God's (See Is. xxxv. 8, marg.) He can only

December 28.-Ch. vi. Beautiful picture of a Nazarite unto God, Christ himself being our one perfect example. Let us ponder it in the presence of the Lord, "As He is," so ought we to be, not as one standing only, but in our lives-" Conformed to His image."

December 29.—Ch. vii.

to the Lord.

Points to the dedication of our substance

December 30.-Ch. viii. The dedication of our persons. We " serve the Lord Christ" (Col. iii. 24). "I have taken them unto Me" (ver. 16).

December 31.-Ch. ix. 15-23. What more exquisite closing portion could we have than this on the last day of the old year? Standing on the threshold of the unknown, we may look on and see His unfailing guidance promised to us. Truly, O Lord, "Thou art the Way!"

Scripture Reading and Prayer Union.

1. Every MEMBER reads daily the same Chapter of the Old Testament, and a short Evening Portion of the New. ASSOCIATES read only the New Testament portion, any time during the day.

2. Persons of all ages and all denominations may join.

All readers of "CHRISTIAN PROGRESS" are invited to join this Union, either as Members or Associates, and to ask their friends to do so. They should send their full names and addresses (stating whether Rev., Esq., Mr., Mrs., or Miss) to the Rev. ERNEST Boys, Beverley, Sidcup, Kent. Óne stamp must be enclosed, and a card of Membership will be forwarded.

DURING the past month we have received the names of 762 new Members, and 453 Associates.

APPROACH OF THE NEW YEAR.

Now that the New Year will be so soon commencing, we hope that all our Members and Associates will do their utmost to induce all they can to join. As we re-commence the New Testament on January 1st, it will afford a very good opportunity for Associates to join. We hope that all our Secretaries will try their best to gain fresh readers in their various associations, and that every one will try to add as many names as possible.

Letters of Invitation for distribution, in letters or by hand, can be had in any number, post-free, on application to the Rev. E. Boys, Sidcup, Kent. We hope that very many will write for some, and make good use of them.

Applications for cards which are sent us endorsed "for January 1st," will be retained till the last week in the year, when cards will be sent with January Magazines in good time for New Year's Day. Many may be persuaded to make a start then.

CARDS NOT TO BE RENEWED.

We would remind our Members and Associates that our cards of

membership are not renewed year by year. This great advantage is gained by our system of publishing the Readings in the Magazines and not on a yearly card.

Occasionally, friends have written to suggest a yearly card, as adopted by other Unions; but considering all things, we prefer to adhere to our original plan, which was the formation of a Union among the readers of the Magazines. Many, we know, appreciate the Magazine system very highly, and prefer it to the yearly card.

Those who wish to keep the Table of Readings in their Bible can easily once a quarter cut out the page containing it. In case of more than one member of a family belonging to the Union, a Magazine quarterly for the others would supply them with the Readings. And where a penny a month is not easily afforded, the same system will avoid the expense.

SUBJECT FOR PRAYER FOR DECEMBER.

That the commencement of the New Testament may be very much blessed to every one of our Members and Associates.