cities of 8,000 and 15,000 inhabitants, and Talca is soon to be connected by rail with Constitucion, a port town of 3,000 people. In this latter city we have a church and a school for poor children. The church is languishing for want of pastoral care; we have no one to take charge of that point. We desire to combine this immense region of 50,000 inhabitants to the care of some live man, who can do hard work, can strive against every difficulty, and who will preach the Gospel to these thousands who have no spiritual acquaintance with the truth. (4) We would also earnestly and respectfully again call the attention of the Board to the great needs of the northern provinces. The most important city is Antofagasta, with 15,000 people. This place is the most important port north of Valparaiso, as it is the natural entrance to Southern Bolivia, and there has been constructed a railroad from it to Oruro, and this railroad will soon reach La Paz. Antofagasta is an important mining and nitrate centre. Here is a noble diocese for a consecrated Presbyterian bishop. The Roman Catholic religion here has ceased to be a spiritual force, and is no longer a strong social factor; even in politics she has lost her grip. The people will welcome a capable, energetic minister. A lot was offered not long ago on which to erect a house of worship. There are here a goodly number of English-speaking friends who will rally round the right sort of a man, and he could begin at once to organise his forces and do work in English while he was getting hold of Spanish. Thus he will not be alone, but will at once have spiritual, social, and financial cooperation. There are other important parts to the north and to the south of Antofagasta within easy reach by steamer. At Taltal there is a faithful little group waiting to be organised into a church, and ready to co-operate with any pastor that will come to help them from time to time. These are Chilians. In Tocopilla there is a faithful lay worker who is a son of a prominent Scottish clergyman. This brother is doing what he can, and his field is included as a part of our Presbyterian work. Here, too, a lot and 1,000 dols. has been offered for a church, provided the right kind of a man came.

We

The present call is not large, and is not the outcome of any fleeting sentiment. Our best judgment says that these strategic points should be held at all hazards and at once. We must have a man for the vacant church at Concepcion. We plead for a man for the New South. We want a good man for the great central field, and we cry out for some one to go in and occupy that promising field in the north. It might be noted that a missionary physician would have vast influence in the northern coast towns, and find a good support. Brethren, send us the men; we need them. We need not write of Chili's needs; the mail would not contain the letters if we told the entire story of her necessities. We call for fresh, alert, energetic young men, and these must be filled with a warm missionary spirit. are sure that if you could but see and understand the conditions and could realise in some measure as we do the tremendous significance of evangelising-not only Chili, but the entire west coast, nay indeed all of South America, as this evangelisation bears not only on the welfare of the people and the establishment of the Master's Kingdom, but on the highest welfare of our own country-you would say: "Yes, this call must be responded to, for the republics to the South are our sisters as are no other lands on all the globe, and we owe to these, our neighbours, the oil, the wine, the care, the Gospel-for these people have fallen into the enemy's hands and have been sadly wounded." All South America belongs to American Christians as their natural and appropriate field, and as Chili was deliberately taken under the care of the Presbyterian Church, it has peculiar claims on that body.

Hodder &

Christianity in the Home. By THEODORE L. CUYLER, D.D. Stoughton.-A cheery, chatty kind of book on various themes relating to the culture of home piety; thoroughly spiritual and practical. Wholesome truths are presented in terse and forcible language, interspersed with numerous apt and striking illustrations. It is a most readable volume, and being got up with delicate taste would form an excellent gift-book.

Missionary Notes.

1

TURKEY. According to Dr. H. H. Jessop, there are now in the Ottoman Empire (including Syria and Egypt) 892 Protestant schools, with 43,027 pupils, of whom 20,000 are girls. The Porte, after long refusing, has consented to give the desired permission for women to practice medicine. Dr. Mary P. Eddy, of the American Presbyterian Board, has had her diploma endorsed by the Turkish authorities, and will practice in Syria.

ASIA MINOR.-The Rev. W. A. Farnsworth, D.D., Missionary of the American Board, writing to The Independent, of New York, says: "During the past two months I have been absent on tours thirty-nine days and visited fifteen out-stations. I find everywhere more or less political excitement and unrest. Still it is not one-tenth so bad as it is reported in British and American papers. In a residence of forty years I have never seen the country so absolutely free from all fear of highway robbery as it now is. Our good Turk, Ali, proved invaluable, as in years past, both as coachman and cook, and Nazar Effendi, the superintendent of Bible distribution, was equally useful in direct missionary work. Perhaps I cannot do better than give a very brief report of the last tour of thirteen days. The first place visited was Moonjasoon, a drive of fifteen miles. Here we had a pretty good visit, though everybody was exceedingly busy in putting up the fruit of their vineyards in the multitudinous ways in which it is used. One of the last graduates of our girls' boarding school is doing good work with thirty pupils, and the pastor, who was ordained in 1869, holds on the even tenor of his way. Our second stage, Gemerek, thirty miles, has suffered severely from the political plottings of the last three or four years. Here we have a congregation of three hundred or more, and more than fifty church members. Justly or unjustly, the preacher has been in prison since January, and is condemned to six years in a fortress. He has now been in Constantinople a month awaiting transportation. We are not without hope that God will hear the prayers of His people, and especially those of his wife and children, and move the heart of the sovereign to pardon him. We had very large congregations on Sunday, but felt that the virus of sedition has seriously injured if it has not destroyed the spirituality of this people. We gave two days to the two little villages, Boorhan and Dindil, the journey to them compelling us to ford the river. The water was astonishingly high for the season of the year. The people of the former village are, many of them, on the verge of starvation from failure of harvests; but a graduate of our girls' boarding school class of 1887 is doing an admirable work among the women of the village, as well as for the children. At Dindil we had communion and a baptism, and one young man, a hopeful candidate for our high school, was received into the Church. About forty-five miles nearly south brought us to Aziziyé, where we had our best visit. The preacher was put in prison as a suspect last winter, but opened the door by means of a golden key. One of the men that shared the value of that key (61.60 dollars) is now a most dangerous enemy, and the preacher is anxious to be transferred to a place where he cannot injure him. He seems to be doing good work with a congregation of fifty to sixty, and a school of thirty. On Sunday we had a Communion Service, when two persons, were admitted to the Church and four children were baptized. In this trip my companion sold 17 Bibles, 26 New Testaments and 21 other portions of the Scriptures for 16.72 dollars, and gave to the very poor 11 other volumes.

THE SPEZIA MISSION.-The report of this Mission, just issued, contains much interesting information of an historical kind. When we come to the item of encouragements" we find that the Bible Day Schools at the present time, in and near Spezia, including the orphanage school, number over seven hundred scholars, with a good staff of teachers. The public preaching of the Gospel on the Lord's Day and on week days is well-attended. There have, of course, been many obstacles to the carrying on of this work, but the recent visit of the King of Italy to Spezia has brought the Mission into prominence, owing to the fact that Mr. Clarke had an interview with his Majesty to offer congratulations on the occasion of the royal silver

wedding. Perhaps the following letter from the Mayor of Spezia is the most striking testimony to the value of Mr. Clarke's work. This letter was received by him soon after the King's visit: "The undersigned certifies and attests that Signor E. Clarke, Evangelical minister, during the twenty-seven years that he has resided in this city, not only has become eminent by the foundation of a gratuitous scholastic institute, where the children of the necessitous are provided with an entire elementary course, according to the Government programme, but he has also not less signalised himself by sentiments and deeds of benevolence in relieving at the time of the epidemic in Spezia many families in the times of their sufferings by his disinterested personal labours in the greatest variety of circumstances, also by his effective contribution towards the foundation of soup kitchens. I, the undersigned, attest also that he is worthy of all praise for having instituted in Marola (a parish in the commune) a Girls' Orphanage, known under the name of the Victoria Adelaide Orphanage, where twenty-one girls, until they arrive at a mature age, find, under the direction of able teachers, education and suitable instruction, preparing them in time to be good teachers, good wives, and good mothers of families.-Il Syndaco, G. B. PAITA, Spezia, May 12, 1893." It is only necessary to add that the treasurer in England of this Mission is F. A. Bevan, Esq., 54 Lombard Street, who will be glad to receive any help for the Mission.

he

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THE SAILORS' REST AT CONSTANTINOPLE.-We have received the "Annual Report-1893," of this useful Institution, from which we give the following extracts: "We have not been without proof that God has been blessing souls in our midst. A Christian boatswain was the means of bringing some of his shipmates with him to the Rest for several evenings while the ship which had been in a collision was under repair. One man who had often refused to accompany his mates, at last, for a change from the dulness of the forecastle came to write a letter home. Finding it "not so bad" he came again next evening, when the Lord spoke to him. He "tried to get away but could not manage it," he afterwards told us, "without scrambling over the tables," which was ashamed to do," so he stopped and listened, became thoroughly awakened, anxious and at last yielded as a lost sinner to the Saviour of the lost and found peace. After that evening he never missed coming, and daily grew in grace. He said he saw it was all of God that his ship came to Constantinople and was detained so long, for though it meant serious loss to the owners it meant Eternal Salvation to him. He has not been back here since, but we have heard of him several times through his boatswain friend and rejoice to learn that he continues steadfast in Christ. Two others received blessing at the same time, though they did not come out so decidedly till after leaving. An officer came in one day, ill and exhausted. After some hours of rest, and revived by a cup of tea, a few words were spoken to him about his eternal welfare, to which he responded with much interest, considering his condition. We did not see or hear of him again till brought very ill into the hospital. Here during weeks of sickness and convalescence, and for some time not allowed to be talked with, the Lord impressed the words spoken to him at the Rest on his heart, brought him to the end of himself, and at last helplessly to rest only on the finished work of Christ on the Cross as his peace-offering, and eventually he left the port a new man in Him. Again we would express our cordial thanks to all those who in any way have kindly continued their assistance in the work of the Rest. The grants of Scriptures from Mrs. Robertson and the Trinitarian Bible Society have been invaluable, as also Gospel literature sent us by the Religious Tract Society through Mr. Tarring and by various friends in England. These messengers can carry the Gospel where we cannot reach, and thus each one who contributes has his part in sending the Gospel to those who are cut off from so many opportunities and good influences. During the past year 1,189 ships have been visited, and packages of literature given on everyone; 1,366 sailors have visited the Rest; 143 sailors have attended meetings; 270 Testaments have been given away, besides portions enclosed in every packet of literature. The Rest is entirely supported by voluntary contributions, and we heartily commend it to the practical sympathy of Christian friends. [Miss Green-Armytage will be happy to receive any aid.]

THE monthly meeting of Council was held on Thursday, March 8, the Treasurer presiding. After the Chairman had read a passage of Scripture, prayer was offered by the Rev. Horace Noel.

NEW MEMBERS.

The following persons were unanimously admitted to membership :

Lieut.-Colonel & Mrs. Acklom, Brighton. Major-General Yorke, Tunbridge Wells.

DEPUTATION WORK.

The Rev. J. Consterdine gave a report of recent Deputation Work, and Mr. Arnold stated that he had visited Edinburgh, where successful meetings had been held, including a large drawing-room gathering held by Sir William and Lady Muir. The proceeds of this visit were about £40, and a number of new members. Mr. Arnold had also visited Belfast, where he addressed two meetings of the Branch in the city and one at Lisburn.

OBITUARY.

The death was reported of Sir Harry Verney, Bart., who was for some years President of the British Organization, and had remained to the end of his life one of the Vice-Presidents and a warm supporter of the Alliance. It was unanimously agreed that a suitable resolution should be prepared for publication in Evangelical Christendom.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS CONFERENCE.

Mr. Arnold reported that he had had a consultation with the Tunbridge Wells Committee in regard to the arrangements for the Autumnal Conference, and that the date agreed upon for the meetings was September 25-27.

RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION IN SPAIN.

Communications were read from Mdme. Lopez Rodriguez with reference to the trial, which was to take place on March 5, of Alex. Lopez Rodriguez, who is charged with defaming the Romish Church in a weekly publication.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN ARMENIA.

With regard to the question of Religious Liberty in Turkey and Armenia, letters were read from Constantinople commenting unfavourably on the conduct of Mr. Thoumaïan in his present agitation carried on in this city against the Turkish Government, and which it was feared would greatly hinder the cause of religious freedom. The Secretary stated that in accordance with the decision of this Council he had sent a carefully worded paragraph to The Christian and other newspapers, upon the subject, and stated that there had been great exaggeration with reference to the number of prisoners. This paragraph had led to correspondence in various religious newspapers.

SECRETARIAL DEPUTATION WORK.

MR. ARNOLD reported to the Council various meetings which he had attended during the past month.

On Wednesday, February 14, a drawing-room meeting was kindly held by Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Wood at their residence, Boundes Park, Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells. The Rev. T. Graham presided, and prayer was offered by the Rev. Mr. Williamson. The Chairman read a brief passage of Scripture, after which he expressed his warmest sympathy with the efforts of the Evangelical Alliance in promoting Christian union, and he was glad to know that this afternoon the audience would have an opportunity of hearing an account of its practical work. He then called upon Mr. A. J. Arnold, who spoke very briefly on the principles of the Alliance and then enlarged upon its work in various departments. Much interest was awakened as the Secretary spoke of the efforts of the Alliance on behalf of persecuted Christians in various lands, particularly in Russia and Armenia. At the close of the address the Chairman expressed, in the name of the meeting, cordial thanks to Mr. Arnold for his interesting statement; and he also proposed that their best thanks be given to Mr. and Mrs. Wood for so kindly opening their house for this meeting. Mr. Wood responded and invited the friends present to partake of refreshments before leaving. A hymn having been sung, the Benediction was pronounced by the Chairman.

On February 21, Mr. Arnold proceeded to Edinburgh to fulfil numerous engagements in that city. He was the guest of Miss Douglas, The Hitchel, St. Margaret's Road, who has been for many years warmly interested in the work of the Alliance, and gave the Secretary a very cordial and hospitable welcome.

On the afternoon of Thursday, February 22, Sir William and Lady Muir gathered a large number of friends for a drawing-room meeting at their residence, about 180 being present. Sir William Muir presided, and called upon the Rev. Professor Charteris to open the proceedings with prayer. The Chairman then spoke in the warmest terms of the aims and work of the Evangelical Alliance. He thought they might take a two-fold view of the Society-viz., its great principle of unity in Christ, with its practical efforts in promoting harmony and brotherly love between evangelical Christians of all denominations and of all nationalities. Then another aspect of the work was, to him, even more important and interesting-viz., the influence which the Alliance had been able to exercise in matters of religious liberty. Persecuted Christians in many parts of the world had blessed God that there was an Evangelical Alliance to whom they could look for practical help and sympathy. Mr. Arnold, in the course of his address, observed that he had spoken so frequently for the Evangelical Alliance in Edinburgh that he would pass over many departments of the work upon which he had enlarged an former occasions. He then spoke of the recent observance of the Week of Prayer, and gave some striking instances of the blessed results which had followed. Touching upon the question of religious persecution, the Secretary indicated the lines upon which the Council proceeded in dealing with cases which were brought before them. For nearly forty years the Evangelical Alliance had stood forward as the champion of those who were suffering for righteousness sake, and their efforts had been put forth in all parts of the world, with the most signal evidences of God's blessing. He then enlarged upon the work of the past year or so, and gave details of the action taken by the Council of the Alliance on behalf of persecuted Christians in Persia, in Turkey, and in Russia.