CHAPTER XXXII.
CONCLUSION.
“O Oscar! this can be no penal settlement; it is a paradise, a perfect paradise of beauty!” was Io’s delighted exclamation as, aided by her husband, she stepped on shore. Imagination had pictured the Andamans as some hot waste of sand, or some burning rock, fit abode for criminals driven forth from their fellow-men; but perhaps the whole earth holds no fairer spot, none more favoured by nature, than these beautiful Eastern islands――“emeralds set in the ring of the sea.” There plants grow in the richest luxuriance; there verdure clothes the forest, and flowers spangle the earth. Where the green waves gently lap the shore, corals of marvellous beauty may be seen through the transparent depths. Well worthy of artist’s pencil or poet’s lay are the dreaded Andaman Isles.
Oscar, rapt in admiration, gazed on the scene around him.
“Strange――most wonderful!” burst from his lips. “Adam was for one sin banished from paradise, and my sin, far more detestable than his, has brought me into another Eden.”
“Not your sin, beloved one, say not your sin!” exclaimed Io; “rather your repentance, the brave sacrifice which you made in indeed plucking out the right eye.”
“And what gave me courage to make the sacrifice?” asked Oscar, looking gratefully at his wife. “Was it not my Io’s brave words when, at the crisis of my life, she said, ‘Do what you think is right’?”
The Andaman Islands are governed in a humane and liberal spirit. There is no dungeon there――no chains, unless it be in Viper’s Island, to which only the most desperate ruffians are transported to be kept under stricter ward. The chief commissioner has indeed the power of life or death, and soldiers to carry his orders into effect; but when the Coldstreams arrived they found themselves under the sway of a wise and beneficent ruler. The commissioner received Oscar with grave politeness, his wife with chivalrous courtesy.
“I am afraid, Mr. Coldstream,” said the commissioner, “that I must make no exception in your favour. Our people here have small allotments of land, and are expected to cultivate them with their own hands.”
“I wish for no exception in my favour, sir,” was the convict’s reply; “I deserve none, for there is no one in these islands who has sinned so grievously against the laws of God and man as myself.”
To Oscar Coldstream his manual labour became a pleasure. No land was better cultivated than his; and he made his hut a bower of beauty, in which the bird of paradise was Io.
But the principal labour of both the Coldstreams was amongst the convicts of either sex. The English couple were earnest missionaries without the name. Year by year souls were won for the Master, and out of the chaos of misery and crime a little church of lowly believers gradually rose. Oscar had no children. This was to him not a matter of regret, for he could not have endured to leave to his offspring a heritage of disgrace, the name of the sons of a felon. But the Coldstreams were granted many spiritual children, and the ties formed in the Andaman Islands were to Oscar and Io so close and so dear, that even had a pardon come they would have declined leaving their place of exile, or rather their sphere of work. Oscar was known amongst the people as the _pir_, or saint――a title which he always repudiated, but which clung to him still.
Letters connected the Coldstreams with the outer world, and not unfrequently the chief commissioner lent newspapers to read. Oscar knew when a fair young queen ascended the throne which this worthy descendant of Alfred still fills. He received from Mark Lawrence the glad news that after years of loneliness his home was to be brightened by the presence of a wife. The chaplain’s former disappointment had been in itself a blessing, for without it he would have been linked to one who would not have made him happy.
With one scene in the life of the Coldstreams, about eight years after their arrival in the Andaman Islands, my little story concludes.
“There is a vessel in the offing, my Oscar,” said Io one morning; “shall we go down and see the arrivals?”
Oscar was just putting the last touches to a beautiful water-colour picture which was to be a birthday present to Io; but he rose at once, put down his brush, and prepared to accompany his wife.
“Formerly,” observed Oscar, “it was with sadness that we saw new-comers arriving; now hope counterbalances pity. We look upon prisoners coming to the Andaman Islands less as sinners to be punished than as souls that may be saved.”
“But these are not prisoners; they come in the commissioner’s yacht. There are nice white English faces,” exclaimed Io joyfully, quickening her pace, “and one is a lady! O Oscar, Oscar!” she continued in the excitement of pleasure, “I am certain that yonder is Mark Lawrence, and she who leans on his arm must be his wife!”
Oscar hurried on so fast at the word that Io had to run to keep up with his pace. Here was a great and unexpected pleasure indeed! In a few minutes the friends who had deemed that they were parted for ever as regards this world were greeting each other with cordial delight.
“You never thought――I never thought of my being appointed chaplain to the troops in the Andaman Islands!” cried Mark, after having with pleasure and pride introduced his young wife. “Why, Coldstream, the climate of the place must suit you, for you look little changed after so many years of residence, only more strong and a little more sunburnt.” Lawrence might have added, “and a great deal more happy,” for Coldstream’s fine countenance now wore an expression of peace.
And Io was blooming still, not a silver thread in the auburn hair, not a wrinkle of care on the white smooth brow. The water-lily had again opened its chalice to the sunshine, and was smiling in the light which came from heaven, and was reflected by very many objects around her.
That day was one of the happiest which the Coldstreams had ever known. No stranger seeing the group that sat eagerly chatting over old days would have dreamed that the one gentleman was a chaplain, the other a convict. Oscar himself was the only one to whose mind came the recollection of his great crime; in his heart of hearts was written, “Jesus Christ came to save sinners, _of whom I am chief_.”
A party to visit a spot of singular beauty was arranged for a later hour of the day. The distance was so short that in the evening even the ladies could walk.
“I have a double object in selecting Palm-tree Point,” observed Coldstream: “I have just received notice that a Karen is lying in a hut there with a broken leg. I have not seen him yet, for he is a recent arrival.”
“I could almost wish that it were our old friend Ko Thah Byu,” said Lawrence.
“One would hardly find him _here_,” rejoined Coldstream.
In the softened light of a rich sunset the Lawrences and Coldstreams made their way to the beautiful spot. They found the Karen, not in the hut, but stretched on a _churpai_ under a tree. None of the visitors had ever seen the man before, but the fact of his being a Karen awakened additional interest.
After kindly salutation, and making inquiries after the injury which the convict had received, Coldstream, taking a seat on a mat, opened his Karen Bible. The ladies rested themselves luxuriously on a mossy bank garlanded with rare ferns.
“Ah, that is the book which Ko Thah Byu so loved!” observed the Karen.
“Did you know him?” asked Oscar.
“I knew him well,” said the sufferer. “Ko Thah Byu often came to our village to give the good tidings of great joy. If I had minded all that he said I should never have come to this place.”
“I must try to find out where he is,” observed Lawrence, “and give him news of you.”
The convict shook his head sadly. “Ko Thah Byu is where news cannot reach him,” said the Karen. “Our brother has gone to be with the Lord. I was at his side when he died.”
The tidings were received with sorrow. How apt are we to grudge the victor his crown, the weary labourer his rest! We grieve to think that a familiar voice shall never again on earth proclaim God’s truth, though we believe that it is swelling the chorus of His praise in heaven.
Inquiries elicited a few particulars of the last days of the first Karen convert and apostle. Ko Thah Byu had latterly been afflicted with painful sickness, and blindness had quenched the light of his piercing eyes. The evangelist had had to close his long itinerancies, and wander no more amongst the heathen. Yet as long as Ko Thah Byu could preach, he preached, bearing fruit even in old age. Then, as a ripe sheaf meet for the Master’s garner, the saint fell asleep amongst his own people, honoured, beloved, and lamented.
“Of the Karen apostle it may well be said,” observed the chaplain, “that he will have many stars in his crown.”
“May I, unworthy as I am, be reckoned amongst them!” said Oscar Coldstream with emotion. “I should, humanly speaking, never have known peace on earth or glory in heaven had I not been taught by the Karen the force of the inspired words: _Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.... I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin._”
APPENDIX.
Whilst some readers will skip the appendix altogether, to others it may appear the best part of my book, as it will give some information regarding the present state of the Karens, and will show what sorts of fruit now grow on the tree planted by the devoted American missionaries and their first convert, Ko Thah Byu.
I will not dwell long on the fact mentioned in secular newspapers, that when the English took possession of Burmah those of the inhabitants _trusted with arms_ were loyal Karens, as they would defend the laws. Such courage was displayed by the Karens that they were given by the English Government a large reward.
It is more interesting to know how the Christian Karens have honoured the memory of their apostle, Ko Thah Byu. I will give some extracts from his memoir, to which I have been already indebted:――
“On the 16th of this month, May 1878, occurred the fiftieth anniversary of the baptism of the first Karen convert, Ko Thah Byu. He was not only the first in time. As a humble, persistent, and prayerful teacher of the gospel to his heathen countrymen, he ranks easily first amongst the hundreds of faithful men who have succeeded him.”
A school and building fund was raised, not only with a view to usefulness in the growing church, but to erect a worthy monument to Ko Thah Byu. To give another extract:――
“It was voted, in view of the exigency and the jubilee, to make a special thank-offering, that the missionary hall might be dedicated without delay. It was the hottest time of the year, but every man, woman, and child stayed at his post. An enthusiasm for giving fell on the people. On the day of dedication our new building fund, which we had set at the modest figure of 20,000 rupees (less than £2,000), reached the sum of 42,342 rupees. The debt was extinguished; there was abundance of material on hand, and over 8,000 rupees in cash.... To sum up, since 1868 the Karens of Bassein alone have sent 43,050 rupees for the erection of permanent and substantial buildings.”
Then follows a detailed description of the opening of the Ko Thah Byu Mission Hall, the winding up of which we will give to our readers:――
“On the wall of the south veranda we have carved in large gilded Burmese characters――
1828. KO THAH BYU. 1878.
And our prayer is that the building may long stand, and do its part towards training and sending forth hundreds of men and women far better equipped for the service of the Master than Ko Thah Byu, and with a spirit no less fervent and devoted.”
To bring the account of the Karens to a still later date, I give an extract of a comparatively recent speech made by a lady, the only Karen missionary at a large conference.[6] Speaking of the interesting people amongst whom she laboured, she said: “Without any literature, they had a tradition about some old book which had been taken from them, but which some day the white men would bring back to them. They were therefore ready to receive the gospel, and when it reached them they yielded readily to its power. Now there are _over 450 parishes, with their own pastors and schools_. They also send out missionaries to the regions beyond. _There are 30,000 Church communicants._ Many of the young men have gone with their wives across the hills far north amongst strange peoples, and are there preaching the gospel.... There is a Women’s Karen Missionary Society.”
Catalog.
Favourite Stories by A. L. O. E.
=Exiles in Babylon=; or, Children of Light. With 34 Engravings. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 5s.
_A lively tale, in which are skilfully introduced lectures on the history of Daniel._
=Hebrew Heroes.= A Tale founded on Jewish History. With 28 Engravings. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 5s.
_A story founded on that stirring period of Jewish history, the wars of Judas Maccabæus. The tale is beautifully and truthfully told, and presents a faithful picture of the period and the people._
=Pictures of St. Peter in an English Home.= Crown 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 5s.
“_A. L. O. E. invokes the aid of entertaining dialogue, and probably may have more readers than all the other writers on St. Peter put together.... The book is brilliantly written._” ――PRESBYTERIAN MESSENGER.
=Rescued from Egypt.= With 28 Engravings. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 5s.
_A interesting tale, toned and improved by illustrations from the history of Moses and the people of Israel._
=The Shepherd of Bethlehem.= With 40 Engravings. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 5s.
_A charming tale, including cottage lectures on the history of David, which the incidents of the story illustrate._
=Claudia.= A Tale. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 3s. 6d.
_A tale for the young. Difference between intellectual and spiritual life. Pride of intellect and self-confidence humbled, and true happiness gained at last along with true humility._
=Idols in the Heart.= With Eight Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 3s. 6d.
_A tale for the young. The story of a young wife and stepmother. Idols in the family――pride, pleasure, self-will, and too blind affection――discovered and dethroned._
=The Lady of Provence=; or, Humbled and Healed. A Tale of the First French Revolution. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. 3s. 6d.
_A pious English girl made a blessing to her French mistress in the terrible scenes of the Revolution; illustrative of the Scripture story of Naaman, the Syrian general._
=On the Way=; or, Places Passed by Pilgrims. With 12 Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 3s. 6d.
_A tale for the young, illustrative of a variety of incidents in Bunyan’s Pilgrim._
=The Spanish Cavalier.= With 8 Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 3s. 6d.
_A tale illustrative of modern life in Spain, and incidentally of the events of the Revolution of 1868, particularly as they relate to the recent awakening of Protestant religious feeling._
=The Young Pilgrim.= A Tale Illustrating the “Pilgrim’s Progress.” With 27 Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 3s. 6d.
_A Child’s Companion to the “Pilgrim’s Progress.” It is intended to bring the ideas of that wonderful allegory within the comprehension of the young mind._
=Precepts in Practice=; or, Stories Illustrating the Proverbs. With upwards of 40 Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s.
_In an attractive and entertaining way the author, in each story, makes the events of everyday life illustrate some truth taught by the wise King Solomon._
=The Crown of Success=; or, Four Heads to Furnish. With Eight Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 3s.
_An allegorical tale for the young. The four cottages of Head taken and furnished by Dame Desley’s four children, with the help of their friend, Mr. Learning. This book is of unusual interest to children, and very instructive. Suited for ages from ten to twelve years._
=Cyril Ashley.= A Tale. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. 3s.
_An English tale for young persons, illustrative of some of the practical lessons to be learned from the Scripture story of Jonah the prophet._
=The Giant Killer=; or, The Battle which All must Fight. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. 3s.
_A tale for the young, illustrating “the battle which all must fight” against the Giants Sloth, Selfishness, Untruth, Hate, and Pride._
=House Beautiful=; or, The Bible Museum. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 3s.
_“A gallery of Scripture portraits.” Short chapters on the most remarkable scenes and incidents of Scripture history. With pictorial illustrations._
=The Silver Casket=; or, The World and its Wiles. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. 3s.
_A tale for the young; partly an allegory; with scenes in the Palace of Deceits, the Forest of Temptation, etc._
=War and Peace.= A Tale of the Retreat from Cabul in 1842. With Eight Plates. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 3s.
_This sketch of one of the saddest passages in our history has been chiefly drawn from “Lady Sale’s Journal.”_
=A Wreath of Indian Stories.= Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 3s.
_Ten tales of native life in India; and ten short stories, illustrative of the Commandments. These stories describe, in Oriental style, the everyday scenes and customs of native life._
=Battling with the World=; or, The Roby Family. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 2s. 6d.
_This tale forms a sequel to “The Giant-Killer; or, The Battle which All must Fight,” by the same Author._
=Flora=; or, Self-Deception. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 2s. 6d.
_The good seed springing up among stones and thorns, with too little root to bear “fruit with patience,” or to withstand the force of temptation. A tale for the young._
=The Haunted Room.= A Tale. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s. 6d.
_An interesting tale, intended to warn against nervous and superstitious fears and weakness, and show remedy of Christian courage and presence of mind._
=The Mine=; or, Darkness and Light. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. 2s. 6d.
_A tale for the young of a somewhat allegorical character, in which it is shown that Faith and Religion are sure guides through the most difficult paths in life. The incidents of the story are absorbing without being of a sensational character._
=Miracles of Heavenly Love in Daily Life.= With Eight Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 2s. 6d.
_Twelve tales (some of the same characters in them all) illustrative of many of our Lord’s miracles; showing that miracles of God’s love, which should not be overlooked or undervalued, often occur in the common events of life._
A. L. O. E.’s Books for the Young.
=Edith and her Ayah=, and Other Stories. With numerous Engravings. Cloth extra. Price 1s.
_Fifteen short stories for the young._
=A Friend in Need=, and Other Stories. With Seven Engravings. Cloth extra. Price 1s.
_Eight short tales for young readers._
=Good for Evil=, and Other Stories. With 14 Engravings. Cloth extra. Price 1s.
_Nine short tales for young readers._
=The Hymn my Mother Taught Me=, and Other Stories. With 24 Engravings. Cloth extra. 1s.
_Fourteen short tales for young readers._
=The Olive Branch=, and Other Stories. With 16 Illustrations. Cloth extra. Price 1s.
_Seventeen short stories for young readers._
=Try Again=, and Other Stories. With numerous Engravings. Cloth extra. Price 1s.
_Sixteen short tales for young readers._
=Upwards and Downwards=, and Other Stories. With 16 Illustrations. Cloth extra. Price 1s.
_Seven short tales for young readers._
=Wings and Stings.= With Six Engravings. Cloth Extra. 1s.
_A. L. O. E. is perhaps unequalled as a writer of allegories for children. In this volume the bees are made to afford lessons in many virtues that children should acquire. It is suitable for either boys or girls._
=Stories of the Wars of the Jews.= From the Babylonish Captivity to the Destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. With Coloured Frontispiece and 44 Illustrations. Cloth extra. Price 1s. 6d.
The A. L. O. E. Series.
Cloth extra. Price 6d. each.
=Every Cloud has a Silver Lining.=
=The Backward Swing.=
=The Tiny Red Night-cap.=
=The Message of Hope.=
=Only a Little.=
=The Brother’s Return.=
=The Victory.=
=The Truant Kitten.=
_Each volume of this series contains five or six pretty stories by A. L. O. E., conveying some good moral lesson._
Books by A. L. O. E.
In 1s. Packets.
=Packet 1.――The Little Sower=, and Other Stories.
_1. The Little Sower.――2. Thorns and Flowers.――3. The White Robe.――4. Trusted and Trusty._
=Packet 2.――The Best Friend=, and Other Stories.
_1. The Best Friend.――2. The Soldier’s Child.――3. The Little Light.――4. Are all Saved?_
=Packet 15.――Stories Illustrating the Proverbs.=
_1. Courage and Candour.――2. A Friend in Need. &c._
=Packet 18.――Stories by A. L. O. E.=
_1. Upwards and Downwards.――2. A Friend in Need.――3. The Great Plague.――4. Good for Evil. &c._
=Packet 39.――Stories by A. L. O. E. Packet A.=
_1. Good-bye.――2. Don’t be Too Sure.――3. Quite in Earnest. &c._
=Packet 40.――Stories by A. L. O. E. Packet B.=
_1. Bearing Burdens.――2. Grasping the Apple.――3. The Diamond Locket. &c._
Library of Historical Tales.
=The City and the Castle.= A Story of the Reformation in Switzerland. By ANNIE LUCAS, Author of “Leonie,” etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
_A tale of a noble family and one in humble life becoming connected by circumstances, the relation of which faithfully portrays the state and character of society at the time of the Reformation (in Switzerland)._
=Leonie=; or, Light out of Darkness: and =Within Iron Walls=, a Tale of the Siege of Paris. Twin-Stories of the Franco-German War. By ANNIE LUCAS. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
_Two tales, the first connected with the second. One, of country life in France during the war; the other, life within the besieged capital. These stories abound in interesting and graphic sketches of French life and character, and incidentally contain a faithful description of the leading events of the Franco-German War._
=Wenzel’s Inheritance=; or, Faithful unto Death. A Tale of Bohemia in the Fifteenth Century. By ANNIE LUCAS. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
_Presents a vivid picture of the religious and social condition of Bohemia in the fifteenth century. The story is one of suffering and martyrdom borne for faith’s sake._
=Helena’s Household.= A Tale of Rome in the First Century. With Frontispiece. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
_Illustrates the mode in which the very persecutions of the primitive ages of the Church were made instrumental, through the Spirit of God, to the promulgation of the faith._
=The Spanish Brothers.= A Tale of the Sixteenth Century. By the Author of “The Dark Year of Dundee.” Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
_A tale of Spanish life, presenting a true and vivid picture of the cruel and stormy time during the period of the Inquisition._
=The Czar.= A Tale of the Time of the First Napoleon. By the Author of “The Spanish Brothers,” etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
_An interesting tale of the great Franco-Russian war in 1812–13; the characters partly French, partly Russian._
=Arthur Erskine’s Story.= A Tale of the Days of Knox. By the Author of “The Spanish Brothers,” etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
_The object of the writer of this tale is to portray the life of the people in the days of Knox. The stormy passions of the time are vividly described, and the story of Scotland’s Reformation is effectively re-told._
=Under the Southern Cross.= A Tale of the New World. By the Author of “The Spanish Brothers,” etc. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
_A thrilling and fascinating story, most exciting in incident, and most instructive in its accurate reproduction of the manners and customs in Peru during the later years of the sixteenth century._
=Pendower.= A Story of Cornwall in the Reign of Henry the Eighth. By M. FILLEUL. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s.
_A tale illustrating in fiction that stirring period of English history previous to the Reformation._
Prize Temperance Tales.
ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.
=Frank Oldfield=; or, Lost and Found. By the Rev. T. P. WILSON, M.A. With Five Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
_An interesting prize temperance tale; the scene partly in Lancashire, partly in Australia._
ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.
=Sought and Saved.= By M. A. PAULL, Author of “Tim’s Troubles; or, Tried and True.” With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
_A prize temperance tale for the young. With illustrative engravings._
ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.
=Through Storm to Sunshine.= By WILLIAM J. LACEY, Author of “A Life’s Motto,” “The Captain’s Plot,” etc. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 3s. 6d.
_This interesting tale was selected by the Band of Hope Union last year, from among thirty-seven others, as worthy of the £100 prize. It now forms a beautiful volume, with six good illustrations._
FIFTY POUND PRIZE TALE.
=Tim’s Troubles=; or, Tried and True. By M. A. PAULL. With Five Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
_A prize temperance tale for young persons, the hero an Irish boy, who owes everything in after life to having joined a Band of Hope in boyhood._
FIFTY POUND PRIZE TALE.
=Lionel Franklin’s Victory.= By E. VAN SOMMER. With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
_An interesting prize temperance tale for the young, with illustrative engravings._
SEVENTY POUND PRIZE TALE.
=The Naresborough Victory.= A Story in Five Parts. By the Rev. T. KEYWORTH, Author of “Dick the Newsboy,” “Green and Grey,” etc., etc. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s. 6d.
“_In construction the story is good, in style it is excellent, and it is certain to be a general favourite._”――MANCHESTER EXAMINER.
“_Attractive in its incidents and forcible in its lessons._”――LIVERPOOL ALBION.
SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.
=Owen’s Hobby=; or, Strength in Weakness. A Tale. By ELMER BURLEIGH. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.
_Replete with touching, often saddening and frequently amusing incidents._
SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.
=Every-Day Doings.= By HELLENA RICHARDSON. With Six Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.
_A prize temperance tale, “written for an earnest purpose,” and consisting almost entirely of facts._
* * * * *
=By Uphill Paths=; or, Waiting and Winning. A Story of Work to be Done. By E. VAN SOMMER, Author of “Lionel Franklin’s Victory.” Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.
=True to His Colours=; or, The Life that Wears Best. By the Rev. T. P. WILSON, M.A., Vicar of Pavenham, Author of “Frank Oldfield,” etc. With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.
_An interesting tale――the scene laid in England――illustrating the influence over others for good of one consistent Christian man and temperance advocate._
Books on Bible Subjects, etc.
=The Plants of the Bible.= By JOHN HUTTON BALFOUR, M.A., M.D., F.R.SS.L. & E., F.L.S., F.R.C.S.E. New and Enlarged Edition. With numerous Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant. Price 5s.
_A beautiful and enlarged new edition of a work most valuable for Scripture students and teachers. The botanical illustrations are numerous and perfect._
=The Psalms Illustrated from Scripture.= Being the Book of Psalms with Illustrative Scripture Passages, forming a Collection of nearly 2,000 Texts, Doctrinal, Devotional, and Descriptive. With Introduction by the Rev. HORATIUS BONAR, D.D. 32mo, cloth extra, gilt edges. 2s.
=Spencer’s Pastor’s Sketches=; or, Conversations with Anxious Inquirers respecting the Way of Salvation. By I. S. SPENCER, D.D., New York. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s.
=A Christian Home=: How to Make, and how to Maintain it. By the Rev. JOHN HALL, D.D., New York. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 1s.
“_The effort has been to produce a truthful and useful rather than a learned or brilliant book._”――EXTRACT FROM PREFACE.
=Morning and Evening Sacrifice.= By the Rev. JAMES SMITH. Red Lines. Royal 18mo, cloth. 1s.
=Our Father and Comforter=; or, God the Portion of His People. By the late Rev. JAMES SMITH, Cheltenham. Red Lines. Royal 18mo, cloth. Price 1s.
=Welcome to Jesus.= By the late Rev. JAMES SMITH, Cheltenham. Red Lines. Royal 18mo, cloth. Price 1s.
=The Shorter Catechism.= With Proofs, Analyses, and Illustrative Anecdotes, etc. For Teachers and Parents. By the Rev. ROBT. STEEL, D.D. Crown 8vo, cloth, red edges. Price 2s. 6d.
“_Here is a book for teachers and parents――a compendium of truth put in the form of question and answer; with proofs from Scripture, analyses, and well-told anecdotes. Those who read this book will do well; those who use it will do better._” ――CHRISTIAN TREASURY.
=Paterson on the Shorter Catechism.= 18mo, cloth. Price 1s. 6d.
_This complete exposition of the “Shorter Catechism” is in itself a brief yet comprehensive System of Theology, explicit and practical in style. A most valuable help to the Bible student._
=Paley’s Horæ Paulinæ.= With Introduction, Notes, and Questions, by WILLIAM BINNIE, D.D. Post 8vo, cloth. Price 1s.
=Clarke’s Scripture Promises=, Under their Proper Heads. 32mo, cloth extra. Price 1s.
⁂ _This was the favourite edition of the late General Gordon――the edition which, according to his sister, Miss Gordon, “he |always used| and |gave away|;” and of which, “before leaving England for Khartoum, he presented a copy to each member of the Cabinet.”_――See “Sketch of Gordon,” by Barnes and Brown.
=Clarke’s Scripture Promises=, Under their Proper Heads. 18mo, cloth, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d.
=The Believer’s Triumph=; or, No Condemnation in Christ and No Separation from Christ. By the late Rev. JAMES SMITH, Cheltenham. Carmine Borders round the Pages. 32mo, cloth. Price 1s.
=Sacra Privata.= By Rev. Bishop WILSON. Red Line Edition. 32mo, cloth. Price 1s.
Illuminated Gift-Books, etc.
=Thoughts for Sunrise.= Daily Morning Texts and Morning Hymns. Beautifully Illuminated. Ribbon Style. Gilt edges. 1s.
“_Illuminated by L. M. W. with much taste and skill.... Quite admirably produced, and printed in colours and gold._”――MAGAZINE OF ART.
=Thoughts for Sunset.= A Book for Eventide. Beautifully Illuminated by L. M. W. Ribbon Style. Gilt edges. Price 1s.
“_A dainty little book. The texts of Scripture are delicately illuminated by L. M. W., and the illustrative poetical selections have been judiciously gathered from a wide area._”――CHRISTIAN WORLD.
=Thoughts of Heaven, our Home Above.= Beautifully Illuminated. Ribbon Style. Gilt edges. 1s.
“_Cannot be praised too highly for its artistic excellence._”――SCOTSMAN.
=For Eventide.= Beautifully Illuminated with Texts and Hymns for Eight Weeks. Edited by H. L. L. Richly gilt. Price 1s.
“_It is a little gem in its way; pleasing to the eye by its appearance, and pleasing to the heart by its contents._”――FOOTSTEPS OF TRUTH.
⁂ This Series is also kept bound in cloth extra, price 1s. 6d.; Paste grain padded, price 2s. 6d.; and in German calf, price 3s. 6d.
=Glad Tidings for Pilgrims Zionward.= With 12 Beautiful Illuminations and Hymns. Oblong, cloth extra, gilt edges. 1s. 6d.
_This elegant little gift book contains twelve beautiful floral cards with texts of Scripture, and on each opposite page a suitable hymn._
=Eastern Manners and Customs.= Selected Passages from “THE LAND AND THE BOOK.” With 12 Chromo-Lithograph Illustrations. Oblong, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d.
=The Feast of Sacrifice and the Feast of Remembrance=; or, The Origin and Teaching of the Lord’s Supper. With an Introductory Preface by the LORD BISHOP OF RIPON. Cloth, red edges. Price 1s.
=The Evening Hymn.= By the late Rev. J. D. BURNS of Hampstead. With Carmine Borders round the Pages. Royal 18mo, cloth. 1s.
_Contains a hymn and a prayer for the evenings of a month._
=Within the Gates=; or, Glimpses of the Heavenly Jerusalem. By the late Rev. J. D. BURNS. Carmine Borders round the Pages. Royal 18mo, cloth. Price 1s.
=Keble’s Christian Year.= Thoughts in Verse for the Sundays and Holy-days throughout the Year. 18mo, red lines, cloth extra. 1s.
=Daily Bible Readings for the Lord’s Household=: Intended for the Family Circle or the Closet. By the late Rev. JAMES SMITH. 24mo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d.
_A book for family worship or for private reading. It comprises a text followed by a short exposition and a verse of a hymn for every day in the year._
Birthday and Daily Text-books.
=The Bible Birthday Book.= A Choice Selection of Texts for every Day in the Year. By the Author of “Hymns from the Land of Luther,” etc. 32mo, cloth, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d. Paste grain. Price 3s. 6d.
=The Bible Birthday Record.= A Text-book for the Young. By the Author of “Hymns from the Land of Luther,” etc. 32mo, cloth, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d. Paste grain. Price 3s. 6d.
=The Imitation of Christ Birthday Book.= With Scripture Texts and Selections from Thomas à Kempis. Edited by the Author of “Hymns from the Land of Luther.” 32mo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d.
=The Chaplet of Flowers.= A Daily Text-book. Interleaved. Cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d.
=Daily Manna for Christian Pilgrims.= A Daily Text-book. Interleaved. Cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d.
=Daily Self-Examination.= A Daily Text-book. Interleaved. Cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d.
=Green Pastures.= By the late Rev. JAMES SMITH. A Daily Text-book. Interleaved. Cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d.
=Still Waters.= By the late Rev. JAMES SMITH. A Daily Text-book. Interleaved. Cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d.
=Words in Season for Young Disciples.= A Daily Text-book. Interleaved. Cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d.
=Daily Help in the Way of Holiness.= By the Rev. JOHN DWYER. Interleaved. Cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d.
=Help by the Way.= A Daily Monitor. By A. M. F., Author of “Bible Echoes,” etc. With Introduction by the Rev. CHARLES BULLOCK, Rector of St. Nicholas, Worcester. Interleaved. Cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 1s. 6d.
_The leading and distinctive feature of this volume is, that the art of questioning is brought to bear upon the daily text. The reader is thus made, by self-examination, to apply to his own conscience the scriptural truths enforced._
=The Souvenir.= A Daily Text-book. By H. L. L. Royal 18mo, gilt edges, cloth antique. Price 1s. 6d.
=Daily Thoughts.= A Text-book from the Psalms. Cloth antique, red edges. Price 1s.
=Parent’s Text-book for Young Children.= Cloth antique, red edges. Price 1s.
=The Souvenir.= A Daily Text-book. Edited by H. L. L. Cloth antique, red edges. Price 1s.
=Bogatsky’s Golden Treasury.= Edited and Enlarged by the late Rev. JAMES SMITH. 24mo, cloth. Price 1s. 6d. 32mo. Price 1s.
=Daily Bible Readings for the Lord’s Household.= Intended for the Family Circle or the Closet. By the Rev. JAMES SMITH, Author of “The Believer’s Triumph,” “Welcome to Jesus,” etc. _Large Type Edition._ Post 8vo, cloth. Price 2s. 6d.
T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.
Footnotes.
1 – The legend is copied almost word for word from a most interesting work which I procured from Calcutta, “The Karen Apostle, or Memoir of Ko Thah Byu,” by the Rev. Francis Mason, D.D., missionary to the Karens. I am indebted to this work for the information contained in this story regarding a very remarkable race, as well as regarding the singular man who is the subject of the memoir.
2 – It is a remarkable fact that when the English, many years after the date of my story, took possession of Upper Burmah, they trusted Karens with weapons, and found them do good work as gallant police in bringing that troublesome district into order.
3 – Ko Thah Byu’s account of himself is strictly authentic.
4 – If unprecedented then, not a solitary instance now, as Constance Kent voluntarily confessed herself guilty of murder, and was sentenced to imprisonment for life in the present reign.
5 – It would be deemed very improper for a woman to say “my husband.”
6 – Held, I think, in 1888, but it may have been in the previous year.