What books to lend and what to give
Part 4
=250. Stories on the Lord’s Prayer.= By E. SEWELL. (Masters) 6_d._
All the above may be usefully read, or lent, to children, one by one, as comments on the lesson freshly taught.
=251. The Little Camp on Eagle Hill.= By E. WETHERELL. (Warne) 1_s._ 6_d._
Somewhat striking conversations upon the Lord’s Prayer.
=252. Children of the Church.= Part 1. By Mrs. O’REILLY. (Wells Gardner, Darton & Co.) 1_s._ 6_d._
=253. Teachings for the Little Ones on the Catechism.= By C. M. YONGE. (Walter Smith) 2_s._ 6_d._
These last are more of Sunday-school books than intended to be lent, but as most of the instruction to _very_ little ones must be conveyed either by reading or speaking to them, it has been thought that the recommendation of these might be an assistance to teachers preparing lessons.
ON CONFIRMATION.
=254. Harry and Archie.= By the Rev. E. MONRO. (Masters) 1_s._
The first is the most effective of all such books. Its excellence has been proved. To our own knowledge it has brought a servant to Confirmation and a lad to Holy Communion.
=255. Clary’s Confirmation.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._
A great favourite.
=256. The Castle Builders.= By C. M. YONGE. (Walter Smith) 2_s._ 6_d._
Confirmation difficulties in a higher rank of life.
=257. Jeanie Gordon.= (Walter Smith) 1_s._
The Confirmation of an invalid girl in Scotland.
=258. Ruthieston.= (Walter Smith) 5_s._
A story of Scottish middle life, but the Confirmation subject is brought in and dealt with usefully.
=259. Laneton Parsonage.= (See No. 180.)
The second volume bears on Confirmation usefully.
=260. Maggie Preece.= (S.P.C.K.) 4_d._
A fairly good Confirmation story.
=261. Boys.= (Skeffington) 9_d._
=262. Girls.= (Skeffington) 9_d._
Practical advice in short compass; excellent for Confirmation gifts.
=263. The Seal.= By C. M. YONGE. (Smith) 1½_d._
A Confirmation tract.
ON THE PRAYER-BOOK.
=264. Church Echoes.= By Mrs. CAREY BROCK. (Seeley) 15_s._
A tale with conversations woven into it to bring out the meaning and blessing of the Church services, going as far as the Litany.
=265. Sunday Echoes in Week-day Hours.= By Mrs. CAREY BROCK. (Seeley) A series. 5_s._ each.
There is one volume on the Collects, and another on the Epistles and Gospels.
=266. Stories and Lessons on the Collects.= (Walter Smith) 12_s._ 6_d._
The lessons are given by a lady to a class of boys, each of whom has his own history and character, and, besides pursuing this, stories are told and read to them. It is a very useful book for teaching from, making the class in hand answer the questions and look out the references (of which there is a very large choice); and the stories, which are not quite equal to the teachings, can be read or not according to time and expediency.
=267. Stories on the Christian Year.= By C. A. JONES. (Masters) 8 vols. 2_s._ each.
Stories illustrating the Collects, with questions at the end. Rather unequal.
=268. Richard Nelson.= By the Revs. J. and T. KEBLE. (Walter Smith) 1_s._ 6_d._
The conversations on Church matters formed several of the earliest ‘Tracts for the Times,’ and have both the simplicity and the power of all the teachings of the author of the ‘Christian Year.’
=269. Charles Harvey’s Difficulties.= (Hayes) 6_d._
A valuable explanation of the Athanasian Creed; exactly the thing to correct popular mistakes.
=270. Benedicite.= By CHILD CHAPLIN. (Murray) 6_s._
A favourite book, going into details on all the glorious works of creation mentioned in the Canticle.
=271. History of the Prayer-Book.= By F. M. P. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._
A sketch of the growth of the Prayer-Book.
=272. Studies on the Benedicite.= By Mrs. BAYNE. (Hatchards) 6_s._
Somewhat in the same style as No. 270, also excellent, with more historical association and less natural history.
=273. Our Mother Church.= By Mrs. JEROME MERCIER. 3_s._ 6_d._
Conversations on Church subjects and the history of the Liturgy, best adapted to young ladies and girl pupil-teachers. Very useful.
=274. Children of the Church.= By Mrs. O’REILLY. (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) Part II. 1_s._ 6_d._ (See No. 252.)
Very easy lessons for young children on the Collects.
=275. Only a Tramp.= By GRACE STEBBING. (Shaw) 6_d._ and 3_s._ 6_d._
There are some mistakes in this, but they may be overlooked for the sake of the practical illustrations of the Litany.
=276. Stories and Teaching on the Litany.= By Dr. W. HARDMAN. (Skeffington) 5_s._
Short chapters of comment on the Litany, containing telling anecdotes illustrating each clause; especially useful for those who have to _get_ up a lesson before giving it.
=277. Number One, Brighton Street.= By C. MACSORLEY. (S.P.C.K.) 6_d._
A story showing the comfort of intercessory prayer.
=278. Prayer-Book Packet.= (S.P.C.K.) Six books. 1_s._
Short tales illustrating the services.
=279. Chapters on the Te Deum.= (Masters) 2_s._
=280. Letters from an Unknown Friend.= (Kegan Paul) 1_s._
More about the Church than the Prayer-Book, but very useful as showing why Dissent is an evil.
BOOKS BEARING ON HOLY SCRIPTURE.
These are needed for various classes of readers. The highest and best are those who need to study the Scriptures devotionally. Works for these hardly come within the scope of a parish library—nor do the Commentaries, such as the Speaker’s or the Cottage Commentary of the S.P.C.K., although in an ideal school these ought always to be accessible by the teachers. What is here to be provided is a set of books that will illustrate the intellectual side of the Bible, and may in the first place instruct the teachers, and in the next make it plain to the young minds that there is infinite interest in the study of Holy Scripture even after they have left school, a fact which they are too slow to believe. Conversations can be read with drawing-room classes or Bible classes with advantage, leaving the pupils to look out references and make observations. There are innumerable varieties of Bible stories, but there is no use in mentioning these. It is much better to teach the narrative of the Patriarchs direct from the Book itself, reading it to the children till they can read with perfect ease, and then reading _with_ them. Later, Dr. Maclear’s two ‘Class Books of the Old and New Testaments,’ 4_s._ 6_d._ and 5_s._ 6_d._ (Macmillan), are useful in disentangling the narrative and explaining the chronology; and for those who find a difficulty in selecting passages, and passing over those chapters, verses, or phrases to which it is not well to direct children’s attention, C. M. Yonge’s ‘Scripture Readings’ (Macmillan) may be an assistance, as they are chronologically arranged, and harmonised with portions of the Prophetical writings. Five series, 1_s._ 6_d._ each, without comment; 4_s._ 6_d._ with comment.
The books that follow begin with the easiest, and fittest to lend to a thoughtful child, especially to a little invalid.
=281. Parables of Our Lord.= By the late Earl of DERBY. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._
These are conversations on the Parables in rather set language, but with good applications.
=282. Walks from Eden.= By SUSAN and ANNA WARNER. (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._
=283. The House of Israel.= By SUSAN and ANNA WARNER. (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._
=284. The Kingdom of Judah.= By SUSAN and ANNA WARNER. (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._
=285. The Broken Walls.= By SUSAN and ANNA WARNER. (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._
=286. The Star out of Jacob.= By SUSAN and ANNA WARNER. (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._
These American books are admirable in their way, bringing in Eastern research, historical inquiry, and lights from science in a conversational, but always reverent manner. They do not go into the types or spiritual lessons, but are thoroughly sound and excellent for reading with fairly intelligent young people. I used ‘The Kingdom of Judah’ with great success with a pupil-teacher.
=287. The Chosen People.= By C. M. YONGE. (W. Smith) 1_s._
This is more of a lesson book, being a compendium of sacred and Church history.
=288. The Prophet Daniel Explained.= By Prof. GAUSSEN (W. Smith) 5_s._
A translation of very easy lectures on Daniel, given by the celebrated Professor Gaussen to a class of children at Geneva.
For students beyond childhood:—
=289. The World’s Birthday.= By Prof. GAUSSEN. (Nelson) 2_s._ 6_d._
Science consulted in dealing with the first chapter of Genesis. Useful in preparing lessons or in argument to those who stumble at the Mosaic record.
=290. The Nations Around.= By ANNIE KEARY. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._
Beginning from Ur of the Chaldees, and going through the contemporary Egyptian history, then the Phœnician, and on to the Babylonian and Assyrian.
=291. The Tabernacle: its Priests and Services.= By BROWN. (Oliphant, Edinburgh) 2_s._ 6_d._
An excellent explanation of the ritual in the wilderness.
=292. The Child Samuel.= By Dean GOULBURN. (Rivingtons) 5_s._
Lessons from the youth of Samuel adapted to choir boys.
=293. David’s Life as seen in the Psalms.= (Hodder) 3_s._ 6_d._
A worthy and very interesting book.
=294. The History of the Kingdom of Judah.= By F. M. WILBRAHAM. (Masters) 1_s._ 6_d._
This is one of the best books to explain the contemporary royal lines of Judah and Israel.
=295. The World before the Flood, etc.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._
=296. The Exodus and Wanderings in the Wilderness.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._
=297. Israel under Joshua and the Judges.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._
=298. Israel under Samuel, Saul, and David.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._
=299. Israel and Judah from Solomon to Ahab.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._
=300. Israel and Judah from Ahab to the Decline of the two Kingdoms.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._
=301. Israel and Judah from Joash to Zedekiah.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 3_s._
The set of seven volumes can be had bound in four, price 16_s._
=302. Sketches of Jewish Life.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 5_s._
=303. The Temple, its Ministry and Services.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 5_s._
Very valuable for comprehension of the narrative.
=304. Elisha the Prophet.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._
=305. Heroes of Hebrew History.= By Bishop SAMUEL WILBERFORCE. (Strahan) 5_s._
Eloquent and stirring pictures of the lives of the great men of Israel, especially Elijah and Elisha.
=306. Simple Readings on the Minor Prophets.= By M. C. HYETT. (Masters) 3_s._
Useful to read with the Prophets.
=307. Judæa and her Rulers.= By M. BRAMSTON. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._
=308. Wars of the Jews.= By A.L.O.E. (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._
Jewish history from the return from the captivity.
=309. Daniel—Statesman and Prophet.= By the Rev. H. T. ROBJOHNS. (R.T.S.) 3_s._ 6_d._
A bridge over the gulf between Nehemiah and St. Matthew.
=310. Judas Maccabæus.= By Capt. C. R. CONDER, R.E. (Marcus Ward) 2_s._ 6_d._
A brilliant, soldierly description of that great man and of the scenes of his exploits.
=311. Eldad the Pilgrim.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._
In the form of a tale, showing the condition of Judæa under Hyrcanus.
=312. Ephrem and Helah.= (Hodder) 5_s._
A not ill executed tale of Israel in Egypt. The description of the water turned into blood is particularly effective.
=313. The Gospel Story.= (Hodges) 6_s._
The best harmonising narrative for popular use.
=314. The Gospel of the Childhood.= By Dean GOULBURN. (Rivingtons) 5_s._
=315. The Acts of the Deacons.= By Dean GOULBURN. (Rivingtons) 5_s._
So excellent that it is much to be wished they were cheaper.
=316. St. Paul.= By CONYBEARE and HOWSON. Abridged. (Longmans) 7_s._ 6_d._
=317. The Fall of Jerusalem.= (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._
Well told and illustrated.
=318. The Story of Salvation.= By Mrs. J. MERCIER. (Rivingtons)
Admirable in many respects, though not perfect. It is well calculated to teach how Holy Scripture may be studied.
Nothing has been said here of the Psalms. Books on them are rather devotional reading than fit for libraries. The most compendious in giving information is an American book,
=319. The Treasury of the Psalms.= Compiled by the Rev. G. HUNTINGTON and the Rev. H. METCALF. (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 7_s._ 6_d._
It ought to be widely known.
Next best for the purpose is:—
=320. A Plain Commentary on the Psalms.= (Parker) 2 vols. 10_s._ 6_d._
=321. Eastern Manners and Customs.= (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._
Useful for teachers to consult when preparing a lesson.
_MODERN RESEARCH INTO MONUMENTS._
Here only the small popular books are mentioned. The great original authorities are too large and too expensive.
=322. Assyria.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._
=323. Babylonia.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._
=324. Egypt.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._
=325. Greek Cities.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._
=326. Persia.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._
=327. Sinai.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._
Full of most useful information, but for somewhat advanced students.
=328. Mount Sinai and Petra.= (Nelson) 2_s._
=329. Nineveh and its History.= 1_s._ 6_d._
Both of these speak to the eye by good illustrations.
=330. Babylonian Life and History.= By E. A. W. BUDGE, M.A. (R.T.S.) 3_s._
=331. Recent Discoveries on the Temple Hill.= By the Rev. J. KING, M.A. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._
Lively and easy narrations of the experiences of a residence in Jerusalem at the time of the chief discoveries, and easier than those above mentioned.
=332. A Year in Palestine.= By Mrs. FINN. (Nisbet)
=333. A Second Year in Palestine.= By Mrs. FINN. (Nisbet)
=334. Jerusalem and its Environs.= (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._
Language rather difficult, but numerous excellent illustrations.
ALLEGORIES AND ALLEGORICAL TALES.
Too many allegories are not desirable, nor should they even be pressed upon those who do not accept them readily. To the imaginative, who are perhaps two-thirds of the people we deal with, they are an excellent and persuasive mode of teaching and influencing. The remaining third at first take them for fact, as people did in mediæval times by the stories of St. Christopher or St. Margaret, and when the delusion is dispelled feel resentment, as if deceived; or else they look on the allegory either as a tale meant to cheat them into being instructed or as an irreverent riddle. Any way, when forced on them, it gives a sense of unreality which is, above all, what they dislike, and which may damage even their feeling for the truths thus represented.
Too many allegories, even for the most receptive readers, are undesirable, and among those here mentioned, it may be wiser to make a choice.
=335. The Pilgrim’s Progress.= By JOHN BUNYAN. (Macmillan) 4_s._ (Nelson) 1_s._, 2_s._, and 5_s._ (R.T.S.) 1_s._, 1_s._ 6_d._, 2_s._ 6_d._ (Nisbet) 1_s._, 1_s._ 6_d._, 2_s._, 2_s._ 6_d._, 3_s._ 6_d._
In spite of all its peculiarities, the king of allegories must be admitted. It is not likely that Bunyan’s doctrines will do any harm, though for these purposes we do regret that Dr. Neale’s edition, arranged for Church people, is out of print.
=336. Agathos.= By Bishop SAMUEL WILBERFORCE. (Seeley) 6_d._, 1_s._, and 2_s._ 6_d._
=337. The Rocky Island.= By Bishop SAMUEL WILBERFORCE. (Seeley) 6_d._, 1_s._, and 2_s._ 6_d._
‘Agathos’ itself ought to be read to every child at the right age either on Advent Sunday or the Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity, the other parables in like manner.
=338. The Shadow of the Cross.= By the Rev. W. ADAMS. (Rivingtons) 1_s._
=339. The Distant Hills, and The King’s Messengers.= By the Rev. W. ADAMS. (Rivingtons) 1_s._ each.
=340. The Old Man’s Home.= By the Rev. W. ADAMS. (Rivingtons)
Separately 1_s._ each, altogether 5_s._
The third is rather an exquisite dreamy story than an allegory, but the two first are of the very best and most practical description.
=341. The Dark River.= By the Rev. E. MONRO. (Masters)
=342. The Vast Army.= By the Rev. E. MONRO. (Masters)
=343. The Combatants.= By the Rev. E. MONRO. (Masters)
=344. The Revellers.= By the Rev. E. MONRO. (Masters)
=345. The Journey Home.= By the Rev. E. MONRO. (Masters) Separately 1_s._ each, collected 7_s._ 6_d._
‘The Dark River’ has been known to terrify nervous children. ‘The Combatants’ and ‘The Vast Army’ are very inspiriting and practical.
=346. The Story of the Red Cross Knight.= (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._
Spenser’s allegory told in conversations between an aunt and some children.
=347. The Giants, and how to fight them.= (Nelson) 1_s._
Forms of evil, and lively practical lessons on how to meet them.
=348. Truth in Tale.= By Bishop BOYD CARPENTER. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._
Half allegories, half stories, some of them, such as the ‘White Flower,’ very beautiful. Excellently suited for short grave readings.
=349. The Gate of Paradise.= By EDITH S. JACOB. (Rivingtons) 6_d._ and 1_s._
=350. The Vision of the Holy Child.= By EDITH S. JACOB. (Rivingtons) 1_s._ 6_d._
Very beautiful and touching dreams. The first is either appropriate for Easter Eve or to a house of recent bereavement; the second is a Christmas vision.
=351. Parables from Nature.= By Mrs. GATTY. (S.P.C.K.) Four series, to be had at 7_s._ 6_d._ in 2 vols. Selections, 2 vols. 1_s._ each.
The Selections might be most useful, as some of the others are too difficult for the present purpose. No praise is needed for these. Several, if read with children, are very successful.
=352. Earth’s Many Voices.= (S.P.C.K.) 1st and 2nd Series. 2_s._ each.
In the style of Mrs. Gatty.
=353. The Man on the Top of the Ark.= (Nisbet) 1_s._
The flood, the brazen serpent, and the city of refuge are here drawn out in their typical meaning. They are very effective. In the first, there is the serious defect that there is no explanation _how_ to enter the ark, but to add the text, ‘The like figure whereunto even Baptism, etc.,’ gives the key.
=354. The Golden Thread.= By Dr. NORMAN MCLEOD. (Strahan) 2_s._ 6_d._
A parable of life, so full of spirit and playfulness that children delight in it for the story alone.
=355. The Lord of the Forest.= By Mrs. ALEXANDER. (Masters) 2_s._ 6_d._
A tale with much allegory hidden within.
=356. The Beautiful Face.= By Mrs. MITCHELL. (Masters) 4_s._ 6_d._
A child’s romance with a hidden meaning so interesting that ‘Oh, that _is_ pretty!’ the schoolchild’s highest praise, is admiringly whispered when it is read.
=357. Coming.= By SELINA GAYE. (Seeley) 5_s._
A very beautiful semi-allegory, with Swiss surroundings. Somewhat long, but of a very poetical and lofty tone, suited to readers of a more cultivated taste.
=358. Sintram and his Companions.= By LA MOTTE FOUQUÉ.
This most striking of allegorical tales cannot be omitted, when it is on record that it made such an impression on Charles Lowder’s boys that they actually named places in Ratcliffe Highway and London Docks from ‘The Castle of the Moon,’ ‘Rocks,’ &c. There was a small cheap edition published by Burns, the poems exquisitely translated. Hare’s translation, less good, has been published, illustrated by Mr. H. Sumner, by Seeley. 5_s._
=359. The Child’s Pilgrimage.= By FRANCES CLARE. (Skeffington) 2_s._ 6_d._
Pretty little allegories and semi-allegories for children, tenderly and gracefully touched, though it is a pity the child’s departed spirit is called an angel.
=360. A Beleaguered City.= By Mrs. OLIPHANT. (Macmillan) 6_s._ There is something so deep and solemn in this book, founded on ‘Though one went unto them from the dead they will not repent,’ that it is added to the list, though it can only be understood by persons of thought and cultivation.
HISTORICAL TALES.
These are of considerable value, not only as serving as ‘sugared history’ and conveying facts, but sometimes as supplying the element of romance which is almost essential to a wholesome development. Moreover, these stories are of great assistance in making it evident that the actors in history are not mere names with dates attached, to load the memory for an examination, but that they have been flesh and blood beings like ourselves.
There has been of late a great attempt to supply these tales, with very varied success. Some are so interesting as to be read apart from all purpose, for their mere interest. Others present nothing but wooden puppets put into the carefully studied costume of their period, and stiffly working out the facts, with much pains but no life. These, however, have a certain value, not only because perverse youth will read them when it will not read real history; but also because when a special period has to be ‘got up,’ they impress details of manners, dress, and habits in a convenient way. We shall therefore endeavour to give a chronological list of English, foreign, and Church history tales.
_TALES ON EARLY CHURCH HISTORY._
There are many of these, and it is difficult to choose among them. Those are here mentioned which may serve best to interest young people in the primitive Church, and give some idea of the days of martyrdom.
=361. Triumphs of the Cross, and Deeds of Faith.= By Rev. J. M. NEALE. (Masters) Two series, each 2_s._
=362. Lent Legends.= By Rev. J. M. NEALE. (Masters) 2_s._
=363. Followers of the Lord.= By Rev. J. M. NEALE. (Masters) 2_s._
Brief tales through the whole range of Church history, some of them quite unrivalled in effectiveness.
=364. Helena’s Household.= By the author of ‘The Schönberg-Cotta Family.’ (Nelson) 4_s._
This tells of the days of the Catacombs.
=365. Gaudentius.= By the Rev. G. F. DAVIES. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._
The builder of the Colosseum, who afterwards became a martyr there.
=366. Lapsed not Lost.= By the Author of ‘The Schönberg-Cotta Family.’ (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._
A failure from weakness in the days of St. Cyprian.
=367. The Egyptian Wanderers.= By Rev. J. M. NEALE. (Masters) 2_s._
Giving with much vividness the trials of the Christians at different times of persecution.
=368. Narcissus.= By the Bishop of RIPON. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._
=369. Conquering and to Conquer.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._
The days of St. Jerome and the Gothic invasion of Rome.
=370. Bilihild.= By JULIE SUTTER. (R.T.S.) 1_s._ 6_d._
The conversion of part of Germany.
=371. Mitslav, or the Conversion of Pomerania.= (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._
=372. Tales illustrating Church History.= (Parker, Oxford) In seven 3_s._ 6_d._ vols., to be had separately.
I regret that these tales are not to be had singly as before, and that they are arranged by countries, not chronology. The most useful for illustrations of primitive Church history are those called ‘Asia and Africa’ and ‘France and Spain,’ containing the four following:—
=373. The Quay of the Dioscuri.=
On the persecution of St. Athanasius.
=374. The Exiles of the Cevenna.=
Persecution in Gaul.
=375. Lucia’s Marriage.=
Christians in Africa.
=376. The Lazar House of Leros.=
The Lepers in an island of the Archipelago.
=377. The Farm of Aptonga.= (Masters) 2_s._
African adventures of Christians.
_TALES ON ENGLISH HISTORY._
These tales of English History are given in greater numbers and with less sifting than the others, because when a particular period is proposed for study or examination a story even of no great merit may be an assistance. Also some belonging to higher literature are enumerated so as to make out a complete list.
=378. The Camp on the Severn.= By Rev. E. CUTTS. (Mowbray) 2_s._
=379. No. XIII. The Lost Vestal.= By EMMA MARSHALL. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._
Both these start from St. Alban’s martyrdom. Neither is quite satisfactory as to correctness, but the second is the more vivid, the latter part being upon scenes at Rome. The first needs less education to be understood.