1858.] Nick-Names. 293 ness of the proposal; but when the same spirit, under cover of long habit, induces us to nick-name him, we regard it innocent amusement. Satan has to do with it furthermore particularly, when, as in many cases, he leads persons to furnish occasion for nick-names being given them. We know how often some particular sinful tendency in a man becomes the occasion of a nick-name. Thus Tiberias Nero, who was greatly given to drunkenness, was nick-named Biberias Mero-one that does nothing but drink. How apt are misers, petty thieves, great liars, mean persons, and such like, to receive nick-names. They hold out the bait. Their particular sins become more prominent than their own personality, and thus cover their true names. They are no more named according to their baptism, which by sin they have virtually surrendered and denied, but according to that which has become their centrality and ruling characteristic. When they turn away from their christian name, and reproach it by going back into the world and sin, the world and sin will baptise them profanely and give them a new name-a nickname. That satan has to do with nick-names may also be seen from the fact that wicked persons often make good men seem ridiculous by nicknames, and thus seriously interfere with and limit their influence, especially in the eyes of the thoughtless. Ridicule is a strong weapon in evil hands for evil ends. Wherever there is a nick-name there is always sin about-either in the one who gives it, or in the one who receives it. It may, as we have said, be sin which invites it in the one to whom it is given. It may also be sin in the one who gives it when it is given from illwill, on the principle that to call a dog mad, is the same as to kill it. There has of late years a singular taste sprung up, principally among the young, according to which nick-names are even coveted. It prevails mostly among ladies. Catharine even prefers to be called Kate-Susan is pleased with Sue-Margaret loves Mag! and so of the rest. This, to construe it most mildly, certainly arises from affectation, behind which lies a concealed pride. There is about it, moreover, a certain rude and rowdyish jar which is far from a lady-like mildness, gentleness and grace. Among young men it takes a still ruder form, and smacks far more of the bar-room and the corners of the streets than of christian society. Who can picture to his fancy the true gentleman, when he hears Nathaniel called Nat-Henry addressed as Harry-James turned into Jim, and so of the rest. We sometimes hear it said by way of justification, that these are mere tokens of familiarity; and that these new names are words indicating intimacy and affection. This is a great mistake. Diminutives are names of fondness; and these are perfectly legitimate as accordant with the best laws of language. True, diminutives are not so regularly derived, and so clearly marked in English as they are in German and some other languages, and perhaps many English names have no proper diminutives at all; yet it is perfectly clear that Kate, Mag, Nat and Jim are in no proper sense diminutives, but full-fledged nick-names. The fact is the whole business is foolish and wicked. Why give a child a name in so solemn a manner, and call it his christian name, when he is not to be designated by it. But it is time to bring this article to a close, especially as it is per haps growing too serious and severe for the taste of some of our readers. Our justification is that we gave due notice in the beginning that our subject might perhaps lead us "even into theology, both theoretical and practical." It has in fact turned out so, and thus we have been true to the path in which we set out. Let us hear then the conclusion of the whole matter. It is this: Let parents make it a rule, yea, a conscientious duty, to call their children by their christian names, and teach their children so to name one another; and if what we have delivered will any way encourage them to this good habit, our wish is realized, and our object attained. THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. HARK, the warning needles click, Strikes or stays the stroke of death. Speak the word and think the thought, Quick 'tis as with lightning caught; To the far antipodes : Now o'er cities thronged with men, Forest now, or lonely glen; Now where busy commerce broods, Now where Christian temples stand, 1858.] The Water Lily. 295 THE WATER LILY. BY THE EDITOR. HAVE you seen the water lily? Where it grows, and how it flowers. When you see a dismal water, Hemmed and hedged by grass and bushes In a pond like this-believe it-- In the pond's deep dismal bottom, At the vine-like termination Could it speak such words as we do: "Child of earth, and child of sorrow, Love will show its fadeless flower, THE GUIDING HAND. "Cast thy burden upon the Lord."-Psalm 55: 22d verse. Is this the way, my Father? 'Tis my child, But enemies are round! yes child, I know, My Father, it is dark! Child take my hand, My footsteps seem to slide! Child only raise Oh, Father, I'm weary! Child lean thy head 1858.] Annie and Emma. 297 ANNIE AND EMMA. BY THE EDITOR. As soon MISS Annie has been a member of the church four years. as she made a profession of religion by uniting with the church, she became also a teacher in the Sabbath School. For this labor of love she felt a strong desire, because she had a strong desire to do good. She started with a class of five little girls, from twelve to fourteen years of age. These grew up-how quickly!-under her care; and scarcely could she realize the fact that they also had already became full members of the church. Having made a public profession of religion, and taken the solemn Vows of consecration to God upon themselves, they did not withdraw from their Sabbath School class, but only became the more interested in it. Their young hearts were full of tender penitence and humble joy as Miss Annie, from Sabbath to Sabbath, led them into the green pastures of the holy scriptures. One of these, Emma, was always particularly attentive; she drank in every word as the thirsty ground drinks in the refreshing shower. One thing especially-as afterwards appearedfilled her with wonder. She could not think how Miss Annie, had become so wonderfully familiar with the scriptures. She referred to its history, quoted passages from it, explained its doctrines and precepts, with a readiness and ease, which filled Emma with surprise as she listened. She longed herself for such an attainment, and wonders every day whether it was possible for her to realise it in herself. She modestly supposed that it was owing to a peculiar gift and talent in her teacher, and then her heart despaired. She loved her teacher, and had always experienced the greatest kindness in return. This encouraged her to open her heart to her on this point. One Sunday afternoon when the school had closed, Emma asked her teacher whether she could have an interview with her on a point in which she had been deeply interested for a long time. "With pleasure," said Miss Annie, and invited her home to her house. It was a pleasant hour Emma spent with her teacher that afternoon; and one, the results of which were of great importance to her afterwards. Emma opened the conversation by telling her teacher that she had often been filled with wonder at her familiarity with the scriptures, and had a great desire to make the same attainment of it were possibleexpressing her anxiety to know what course she had pursued, and whether she could not give her some suggestions on that point. She wished to benefit by her example. Miss Annie said she did not wish to hold herself up as an example to others, for she felt her own deficiencies deeply; but added that if the course which she had pursued could furnish any valuable suggestions to her she would cheerfully tell her what course she had pursued in attaining the little she knew. This modest estimate she put on herself, only |