Telegraph-Wires and other Messages. By E. Amy Northey. (Skoffington and
Son.)—This is an attempt, by moans of allegory and the personification of certain moral and religious ideas, to bring familiar truths home to the minds of the simple and im- pressionable, and more particularly of the young. The intention of the writer is excellent, and the lessons sought to be enforced are altogether unexceptionable. But it is no disparagement to the writer to say that she has absolutely nothing of John Bunyan's gift of vivid realisation. Very poor and ineffectual in truth appears writing like,—" There was a moment's pause, while Thought,' leaning on 'Word's' heart, wept holy tears of thank- fulness. Then 'Deed' stretched out his hands( and led them once more into their old pathways of work and usefulness, and the air was filled with the sweet beauty of melodious prayer, rising from the three reunited hearts, Grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please Thee in newness of Life,—in "Thought, Word, and Deed." ' " The best thing in this book is "The Jeweller's Dream ; " and that because it is the nearest approach to a "real" story.
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