THE CHURCH CALENDAR. ALL SAINTS, Nov. 1st. THERE is no Festival occurring in the whole course of the year, which, in my opinion, appeals more directly to to our feelings and sympathy, than that of ALL SAINTS. That great army of beatified Spirits, gathered from all nations, and extending through all time, is almost sure to contain one at least to whom the heart of each living Christian turns with a special commemorative love. Some dear departed friend entwined with our tenderest affections, and our dearest hopes, who, while he was spared to us on earth, afforded us a bright and cheering example of holiness in a dark and troubled world, and who, now that he has gone before us to his rest, has added another link to that chain of hope and expectation which connects us with the better country to which we are all hastening. I do not mean however, that while thus singling out some beloved name or names, as the object of peculiar remembrance we should narrow our thoughts and sympathies to the sphere of our severed friendship. No, it is a great privilege,-one we should do most unwisely to neglect,which permits us to claim fellowship with the great body of departed saints "that great multitude which no man can number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues," who having done good service in the Church militant, are admitted to share the glories of the Church triumphant above! Well would it be for us, and for all who like us, are seeking to tread the narrow path which leadeth unto eternal life, if we would meditate more upon this ennobling subject; if we would hold up the example VOL. VIII, No. 11. M of these blessed servants of God more continually to our minds; if we would think upon their virtues and learn to imitate them: upon their sufferings, and seek to be inspired with a like courage; upon their temptations, and ask for a share of that grace, through which they were enabled to overcome them; upon their faith and patience, their contempt of life, and their hope in death. and never rest till we have been filled with all the fulness of God, which can alone make us sufficient for these things! Thus while we bless God's holy name, for all His servants departed this life in His faith and fear, "let us beseech Him also to give us grace so to follow their good example, that this life ended, we may be made partakers with them of His heavenly kingdom.” The Festival of ST. ANDREW, which falls upon the 30th of this month, is the first or last of the ecclesiastical year, according as the Sunday which is nearest to it, occurs before or after this date. This year the 30th of November falling on a Wednesday, Advent Sunday is the Sunday preceding. It is the commencement, as you are aware, of the season which the Church has especially set apart for the consideration of our Lord's coming: not merely His first coming in the flesh, in sorrow and great humility,— but of His second coming to judge the world, when He shall gather together His elect from the four corners of the earth, and pass sentence upon His enemies. The first and third collect for Advent, indicate in a few striking and appropriate words, the frame of mind, which we should cultivate in order fully to benefit by the services of this period. As our Saviour's first coming was the fulfilment of the anxious expectations of those, who according to the promise, were waiting for the Hope of Israel, so His second coming in power and great glory, should be the object of earnest hope and longing, to all who love their Lord, and trust in His word. We know that till that great and happy period arrives, sin and sorrow, will still reign upon earth, the Church will still have to mourn her imperfections and short-comings, will still be exposed to many dangers, and will have to pass through many fiery trials. How earnestly then, ought we to look forward to, and pray for that blessed time, when all the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and the Church militant shall become the Church triumphant ! Before concluding, I must say a few words respecting St. Andrew. He was brother of Simon Peter and son of Jonas, a fisherman of Bethsaida, a city of Galilee. He had been a disciple of St. John the Baptist, and prepared by his ministry to receive the mission of one greater than John. Being with the Baptist one day as Jesus passed by, he heard him exclaim, "Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world?" Upon this Andrew followed Jesus to his abode, and convincing himself by his own observation, that this testimony was true, he went and found his own brother Simon, and announcing to him the joyful tidings that he had found the Messiah, brought him also to Jesus. Thus Andrew, and that other disciple of John, who accompanied him, but whose name is not mentioned, would seem to have been the first that came to Jesus. Andrew however was not called at that time to be an Apostle, but returned with his brother Simon to his occupation of fisherman. It was about a year after, that as Jesus was walking by the sea of Galilee, he again saw the two brethren as they were casting a net into the sea, and said unto them: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." And they straightway left their nets and followed Him. After His Lord's ascension, St. Andrew was chosen to preach the Gospel in Scythia and the neighbouring provinces. At length, having provoked the anger of the governor of one of the heathen cities where he laboured by his efforts to preserve his converts from lapsing into idolatry, he was ordered to be crucified; and to prolong his torture was fastened to the cross by cords instead of nails. He met this cruel and lingering death with joy and exultation, and during the two days that he hung upon the cross, exhorted his converts to enduring constancy and perseverance in the faith. The instrument upon which he suffered, being different in form to the cross generally used, something like the letter X, is known as St. Andrew's Cross, to this day. His body was taken down and reverently buried by a wealthy and honourable body of the city; and was subsequently removed by Constantine the Great, to his new capital of Constantinople; and deposited in the great Church he had built there in honour of the Apostles. THE DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS. H. E. AN ADVENT HYMN. "So shall He sprinkle many nations.”—Isa. iii. 15. SAVIOUR, sprinkle many nations, Fruitful let Thy sorrows be! By Thy pains and consolations, Far and wide, though all unknowing, Human hearts in Thee would rest. Thirsting, as for dews of even, As the new-mown grass for rain, Saviour! lo, the isles are waiting, Stretch'd the hand, and strain'd the sight, For Thy Spirit, new-creating, Love's pure flame, and wisdom's light; Speed the foot and touch the tongue, Till on earth by every creature, Glory to the Lamb be sung. COXE. THE LITTLE LUTE-PLAYER. CHAPTER IX. BENNO the Hermit arose, and turned quickly to the Count, saying: "Were your wife and child alone in the boat ?" "It is thought not. My faithful servant Jacob is said to have accompanied them." “And all three were drowned ?" rejoined the hermit in an incredulous tone. "It is possible, certainly, but I should hardly think it probable." "I knew old Jacob when he lived with your father-in-law at Rauhenfels. He was the most cautious and skilful boatman of all Count Otto's followers. It is true he might this time have failed. But even so, he was a marvellously good swimmer." "It is possible, certainly, but not probable! "Pardon me, "continued the old man, if I probe too closely |