RELIGIOUS MONTHLY SERIALS.

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2477, 2 March 1878, Page 2

RELIGIOUS MONTHLY SERIALS.

The March number of the "Church Gazette " for the diocese of Auckland and Melanesia contains, in addition to .the usual amount of information, a siippleniental report of the Melanesian Mission for the past year, with notices of pi ogress in the islands of the New Hebrides, Banks', Solomon, and Norfolk Islands, which will be read with much interest, especially by Churchmen who take an interest in the diffusion of Christianity among the native population. The diocesan and parochial sections of the " Gazetie " are full of items, some of a pleasing and some of a mournful character. We notice that the Bishop has awarded 29 prizes to the successful scholars of the various Sunday-schools of the diocese. Among the prize-takers this year the scholars of the Holy Trinity school, Devonport, bear the palm ; there being no less than seven from that school. Besides several articles of interest, the present number has two biographies, one of the late Bishop Williams, and one of Mrs Selwyn, the wife of the Bishop oi Melanesia. The tribute to this excellent lady's memory is brief and well-deserved. A number of useful extracts from standard works, and Sunday-school lessons for the month, add to the value of this issue.

"St. Paul's Parish Magazine."

A considerable amount of local and church information will be found on the outer pages of this interesting monthly. Dnring the Sunday evenings of Lent Rev. C. M. Nelson will preach a series of sermons ou " Our Talents," with practical suggestions as to'their proper uses. Owing to the increase in the number of Sunday scholars, the services of several ladies and young men as teachers will be acceptable. A brief account of a presentation to Mrs Nelson by the majority of the children also appears. To-morrow Sir Swallow will commence his duties as organist at St. Paul's. The return of offertories and a full calendar occupy the two last pages of the " Magazine." Among the inner contents will be found a biography of Dr. Bray, sketches, a sermon, and an excellent poem by t'ae late Dean Alford.

The "New

Zealand Presbyterian

Church News."

This representative publication sustains character for literary ability and thoughtful writing. Thd opening articles are statistical, and treat of figures in relation to the churches and schools and the Dayspring. The " Church and Modern Thought" will be carefully read and considered. Professoi Flint's address, and Dr Richardson's sermon on " Who can bend the Bow ?" are full of sound material for reflection, and are profound and scholarly. An extract from the ' • Daily Review" on Presbyterianism in London, gives a true idea of its progress in the metropolis and suburbs. This sketch is quite a miniature history of the Presbyterian Chinches in London. Koivsof the Churches

recounts the progreFs of religion in +v colony, and the general- news section;* filled with many curious facts from nrt,* lands. A poem, " The minister's Salfc Nigef'is much above the averse 2S V' of such productions and breathes of tIT peaceful spirit of true poetry. AltoaetW the present number assists in sustain? the reputation of the "Presbyterian Neva*