The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-06-11
. LITERA URE.

The SCRIPTURE CLUB VALLEY REST; OR. EVERY
Bopy's NEIGHBoRs By the author OF ''The Barton
Expermentu s.Heen's Babies" &c New York:
G. 7. Putnam's sons
We doubt whether Mr. Habberton be classed
under the head American humorsts, although It is
owing largely 10 their humor that his books have
gained SO WIDE popularity He depicts human nature
MS he finds IT, everybody finds It. Every one knows
the counterparts OF "Helens Babies" but It is not
every one who can reproduce them with pen and ink
ss he sees them We do throw back our heads and
hold our side with laughter Mr. Habbortons
skctches. We only smile and perhaps chuckea little
rs we say, SHOW like We know just such people. we
enjoy reading about characters We have met VINO
would care Colonel sellers II no was not familiar
characters 1t is because have known just
such men that enjoy Mr. kaymonas
clever creation. Any ono who has had any
dealings with country churches will feady appreciate
the humor OF s'Tho Scripture CLUB OF valley hcs|
He will at once recognize brother Humbieop, Captain
Male Mr. Aleman, squire woodhouse, and the rest
81 the good poodle who formed the club. Mt Hab
ocrton. without burlcsquing them, has shown how
really amusing such clubs are, with their disagree
rnents, jcalouscs. orthodoxy and hercslcs brosher
Humbletop washed his hands OF the club before was
organized; he shifted doubt in the air. and MS views
could not tolerate too many questions therHum-
blctop wanted Epistc OF Paul TO the Romans TO DO
The Sermon on the Mount The majority rules IN
Scripture clubs we'll in moro worldly places, ana
Brother HumOetop. being defeated. slowly rose to MS
tect cleared his throat adjusted his newly polished
glasses, and raised his voice.
.My dear friends, )" said he shaving been an humble
but earnest follower oil tho Lord Jesus Christ Tor nearly
half century, need not on THIS occasion chtcr lno
defence of self against any possible nsnuatlon OF
lack faith. Nor will any doubt that lapprehend
the great value OF the Sermon on the Mount some OF
YOU will, perhaps recall series of sermons when
preached lew years ago upon the bcattuacs. Dut
Jesus Christ was not merely moral teacher; HIS
great work was to redeem the worc from death by
offering Himself as Precipitation Tor tncr slhs, anu
subm,ifins Himself unto death even neul death
OF tho cross His teachings were great; he spake
us man never spake before; but al THIS IS as
naugnt compared with the great work which , no 40
study; II is for this should love ana adore MIN.
Goo so loved world that He gave Ills only bcgot.
Son, that whatsoever belleveth IN Him snouia not
." should like 10 ask Brother Humbletop IL personal
salvation is the highest motive win "mch We snou'a
Ii was evident that tho question was poser TO Tho
good doctor; the very convcxity and iustrc OF ms
glasses served only make his eyes stare more aim.
essly at nothing for a moment or two Hc recovered
himself however, and replied
.God in His generosity and doubtless in view OF tho
needs of sinful humanity has ordered that inc sava-
ton of mankind should have pcen the principal ooJect
Chrisls coming upon earth am not mere 70 crit'-
else my Maker. /" -
..And you know that no one csc is" remarked Mr..
Alcman with not incxcusablc accrbity.
.Questionl'' exclaimed several voices. Tho leader
nut the question and tho amendment OF MI. Alcman
was adopted by considerable majority. Again Dr.
Humbleop got upon his feet.
any dear friends" said he, II regret NJ this onrly
hour TO part from association from which had
fondly hoped derive spiritual benefit. but my sense
OF duty impes mo 10 take snch stcp;
tho vote OF the class seems 'n shons
never dare to commit mysclf-an estimate against
which mus: always protest Personally hoid you
ali ia high esteem you shall always DO remembered
BIZ at the throne OF grace, but upon the prime
essential Christian fraternity sccm hopeessy at
1T fhnf IN
tons WI tend toward good that way is not the
best way, and must there. re regret it, snail con-
slider IL my duty TO take steps toward the or
ganization Of class upon what 4 conceive to
be Il Christian basir, and N that class shall al
ways be rendy 10 heartily welcome any OF you.
Salvation through tho atonement OF Christ Is
tho central truth OF the >1ble. body OF students
who examine the Word IRON amy other standpoint
may be perfectly sincere and In earnest, ana tncy
may constitute what may, without unkind meaning,
be Scripture club, but they can never claim 10
be regarded Bible class In the proper acceptaton
OF the term. "
The Doctor gathered his cloak hat and cane and re-
tired With graceful but dguined bow. The class
10 It's feet confusion, and Squire Woodhouso
exculncd:- .
.rhai's So said Mr. Aieman 'lct's adopt 1t, and
show the blessed old that names can't change
natures"
the club nourishci for time green bay tree. All
demon took part III its discussions Not only
were the discussed at the regular Sunday meet
ings but even on week days the members found the
Sermon the Mount OF moro lively interest than tho
lures BIT ut a fatal day came, FREQ speech got
tho best OF the members, aud the club fought de-
cisivc battle which ended in It's dissolution although
few devoted members hndg together ana studied tho
Word oil God with less excitement ana more 10 thcir
satisfaction.
The publication OF this book is delayed until Tues
day, owing TO the large number OF advance orders
Au edition Of 10000 sold before tho book was
printed since Friday 5000 more have been ordered,
and IL viii 5000 to meet The casual demand