Of the several publications which voice the views of the religious world, perhaps none is better known or more generally read than is the New York Christian Advocate. Under the editorship of the Rev. Dr. James M. Buckley, the Advocate has become more than a mere reflex of the opinions of its contributors. It is a power for good and the extent of its usefulness is only bounded by the limits of its circulation, which are world-wide. Dr. Buckley was born in Rahway, New Jersey, December 16, 1836, his father being the Rev. John Buckley. Educated at first in Pennington, New Jersey, seminary, he later spent a year in the Wesleyan university, and afterward studied theology at Exeter, New Hampshire. He became a member of the New Hampshire conference of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1858, was called to Troy in 1863, and to Brooklyn three years later. Dr. Buckley has traveled extensively, and no small portion of the popularity of his work on the Advocate is due to the wide experience of men and manners which he acquired during his wanderings abroad and in this country. He is the author of several books, including Travels on Three Continents, Land of the Czar and the Nihilists, The History of Methodism in the United States and others. Dr. Buckley’s literary work in general is distinguished by a breadth of view and a charity of spirit which are only possible to the man of large mind and wide horizons. RICHARD WATSON GILDER. If a magazine contributor was asked what, in his opinion, represented the ultimate happiness of his ilk, he would probably reply, “the editorship of the Century.” That enviable position is at present held by Richard W. Gilder, and that Mr. Gilder has done honor to the wisdom which placed him in the editorial chair, is made manifest by the body matter of the magazine itself. He was born in Bordentown, New Jersey, February 8, 1844, his father being the Rev. William H. Gilder, and he was educated in the seminary established by his father at Flushing, Long Island. In 1863 he became a private in Landis’ Philadelphia battery, and, at the expiration of his term of service, had a year’s experience as a railroad man. Later he was correspondent, and afterward managing editor, of the Newark (New Jersey) Advertiser. From that time on Mr. Gilder has lived in an editorial atmosphere. In connection with Newton Crane he established the Newark Register, next edited the defunct New York monthly publication called Powers at Home, made his mark while so doing, attracted the notice of the Scribner management, and was made managing editor of its magazine in 1870 and editor-in-chief in 1881. Mr. Gilder has taken a prominent part in movements and organizations which had for their object the improvement of municipal conditions. He has held office as chairman of the New York tenement house commission, was the first president of the New York kindergarten association and is president of the Public Art League of the United States.