truly inspiring intelligence that, without any exercise of British authority, forty of the Protestant chiefs-representing more than half of the kingdom of Uganda-have signed a declaration expressing their wish to abolish domestic slavery. The document, in the native language, with the signatures of the chiefs, is given in full. The translation is as follows: "All we Protestant chiefs wish to adopt these good customs of freedom. We agree to untie and free completely all our slaves. Here are our names as chiefs." The Bishop adds: "I have placed the paper in the hands of Sir Gerald Portal, who will, I am sure, do all he can to further it. All that is needed is the consent of the Roman Catholic chiefs, and in a few weeks slavery will be a thing of the past in Uganda." PERSIA. The proceedings at the closing of the term, at the Missionary School at Hamadan, were conducted in a variety of languages. The first prayer was in Persian; the hymns in Armenian and English; then the pupils (or scholars) recited a chapter from the First Epistle of Peter in Persian and Armenian; the Commandments in Turkish; and a Psalm in Hebrew. A Turkish Pasha remarked, touching the influence of the Mission Schools in Asia Minor: "When a young girl comes home from the college, it is no longer just a girl who has come into the house, but a school." The Sunday at Home. Religious Tract Society. THE annual volume of this well-known magazine is now before us, and is a handsomely got-up book. As usual, it is profusely illustrated with coloured and wood engravings, and would form a very acceptable New Year's present. In the 828 pages we have also a vast amount of interesting matter, suitable for Sunday reading, and, indeed, for any other day. There are articles on the Bible, and numerous biographical sketches, some poetry, sermons, devotional papers, and, of course, the inevitable tales. It would be going perhaps too far to say that the volume is even more attractive than usual, for this well-known magazine has a standing of its own. The Leisure Hour. Religious Tract Society. ANOTHER handsome volume of 860 pages, beautifully illustrated with numerous wood engravings. Here again, if possible, the well known journal excels itself, and we have quite a library of information of a general kind, including many articles of more than ordinary value. This is a handsome volume which may be placed in the hands of any man, woman, or child. The Tract Society are rendering valuable service in bringing out such monthlies as those we have just noticed. The Holy Spirit in Missions. By the Rev. A. J. GORDON, D.D. Hodder & Stoughton. THIS is a thoughtful series of lectures by a well known author who deals with the subject showing the Holy Spirit's programme of missions as well as the preparation and administration by the same Holy Spirit. Then we have also the fruits of missions, prophecies concerning missions, and the Holy Spirit's present help in missions. The perusal of such a book must leave upon the reader a deep sense of the true source of power in mission work. Christ Mystical; or, the Blessed Union of Christ and presented to the Rev. H. Carruthers Wilson by General Gordon. It is a book of intrinsic value, rendered all the more valuable by rich and tender association. A mere brief notice would give no idea of its value, but we hope on a future occasion to reprint some extracts from it. Life on the Congo. By the Rev. W. HOLMAN BENTLEY, of the Baptist Mission. Religious Tract Society. THIS is a third edition, and revised, of Mr. Bentley's previous volume. Chapter IX. summarises up to date (September 1893) the progress, political and religious, of the Congo Free State. It deals not only with the physical features of the country, but also with its home life and the religious ideas of the natives, and is an interesting book for general reading on the subject of missions on the Congo. The Early Spread of Religious Ideas, especially in. the Far East. By the Rev. Jos. EDKINS, B.A., D. D., of Shanghai. Religious Tract Society. THIS is one of the series of "Bypaths of Bible Knowledge," and is an important contribution to apologetic literature by one of the most distinguished oriental scholars of the day. Dr. Edkins has lately been in this country, and his able and instructive little volume (which is compressed within 144 pages) cannot fail to be both interesting and useful. Dr. Edkins himself says the aim of the book is to draw attention to the mass of information upon primeval religion gathered in ancient oriental literature, as well as in the language of eastern countries, and he believes that the evidence afforded by oriental languages tend strongly to confirm the Biblical doctrines of a primitive revelation. It is gratifying to learn from private sources that Dr. Edkin's work is already being found useful by anti-infidel lecturers. Echoes from the Undying Word. By FREDK. HARPER, M.A. Religious Tract Society. IN this little volume we have a series of brief, pointed, aptly illustrated chapters of various aspects of Bible teaching. They all have a direct practical purpose, and the volume will be found useful for devotional reading. The several chapters were originally spoken messages in a little village church, and the author declares his veneration for that form of doctrine which is known as the old evangelical faith. The Log of a Sky Pilot. By THOS. STANLEY TREANOR, M.A. Religious Tract Society. THIS is a book of thrilling adventures, and is written by one who, as chaplain in the Missions to Seamen, gives us an account of work around the Goodwin Sands, in which he has had a part. Many inspiring incidents are given connected with the venturesome work of carrying the Gospel message to seamen of all nations whose vessels pass through the Downs, and the book will be found full of the deepest interest to all who wish well to our sailors and to the men who man the light-ships. This volume will surely stir all who read it to right thought and earnest endeavour to aid in such a glorious mission. There are many capital illustrations, and the volume is both instructive and interesting. Forty-two Years amony the Indians and Eskimo. By BEATRICE BATTY. Religious Tract Society. THIS attractive volume of 220 pages gives us pictures from the life of the Right Rev. John Horden, first Bishop of Moosonee. He was a great pioneer missionary, and the authoress gives us the story of his hard and adventurous life mainly in his own words. There is also much of interest in the accounts of Indian life and travel, whilst the records of success will gladden the hearts of all who long for the triumph of the Saviour's Kingdom. It should be added that there are many illustrations. This is What I Want. Religious Tract Society. A LITTLE volume containing 52 tracts of the new Every Week Series. There are many illustrations, and it will be an acceptable little present in any quarter. Which Way? Religious Tract Society. THIS was the last book written by the late Miss E. J. Whately. In a compact, moderate, and Scriptural series of chapters, she points out the contrast between the old Evangelical faith and the modern Romanism, with its slavish imitator -the fashionable Ritualism of the day. The clearness and force of Miss Whately's style are well known, and her argument will be found useful to put into the hands of any who are at all attracted by current Romanism and Ritualism. Rest & Reaping. Morgan & Scott. THIS is the volume for 1893 of the monthly record edited by Miss Mason, of the House of Rest. We always look for this journal with interest, for it contains so much encouragement and help for Christian workers in the Home and Foreign Mission Fields. The volume deserves a place in every Christian home. Holy Men of God. From St. Augustine to Yesterday. By the Rev. JAS. ELDER CUMMING, D.D. Hodder & Stoughton. A SERIES of biographical sketches selected for the purpose of illustrating "the real life of holiness" as "lived by the saints of post-Biblical days." The author's name will be a guarantee for the excellency of the book, which is well-fitted to serve the purpose for which it has been written. As the Galton process of photography succeeds in obtaining from a group of faces a well-defined and typical countenance, so from this group of saintly personages the reader may obtain a wellformed idea of true Christian character. A most valuable book to put into the hands of young Christians, or Christians of any age. Week Day Religion. By Rev. J. R. MILLER, D.D. Hodder & Stoughton. A CHOICE little volume-spiritual, practical, and full of helpful instruction. Valuable thoughts will be found in its pages adapted to almost all the varying conditions of daily life, while the author's pithy and forcible style renders his book most suitable for those busy people, who have not much time to read, but are glad of anything that will teach them how to live. The Brahman's Plot; or, the Story of Two Friends. A Tale of Life in India. By the Rev. W. J. WILKINS. Religious Tract Society. In one of these friends the enslaving power and bitter consequences of a vicious course are vividly pourtrayed, while in the other appears the beauty of a Christian life, and its strength, not only to resist temptation, but to survive and escape from the malicious plots of a wily enemy. The subtle Brahman first tries to seduce the young man from the path of integrity for his own selfish ends; and when he fails in this, sets to work with all the deadly cunning of the serpent to ruin his victim. He seems to be on the point of succeeding when the plot is discovered and his victim escapes. It is a capital book for young men. THE West-end meetings, convened by the Council of the Alliance, will be held daily in PORTMAN ROOMS, BAKER STREET, PORTMAN SQUARE, commencing on Monday, January 8, at 11.30 each morning. The following is the Programme for the Week: SUNDAY, January 7.-Sermons: Pentecostal power.-Acts ii. 1 to 4. MONDAY, January 8.-Humiliation and Thanksgiving.-Confession of sin and failure in the past, and prayer for consecration to a holier life.-1 John i.; 1 Sam. xii. 7 to 25; Dan. ix. 1 to 19. Prayer for grace to put away whatever hinders growth in grace, and the progress of Christ's Kingdom in the heart and in the world.-Matt. v. 29, 30; Josh. vii. 10 to 26; 2 Cor. vi. 14 to vii. 1. Praise and Thanksgiving: For what God has done for His people in the past year; for the gift of His Son; for the blessings of salvation; for the presence and power of His Holy Spirit; and for the fruitful observance of the Week of Universal Prayer.-Ps. cxxvi. 2, 3; Ps. cxlv.; 2 Chron. xx. 21 to 27; 2 Sam, vii. 18 to 29; Eph. i. 1 to 14. Chairman: DONALD MATHESON, Esq. Address by the Ven. W. M. Sinclair, D.D. (Archdeacon of London.) TUESDAY, January 9.-The Church Universal.-Prayer for the whole Church of Christ, that the power of the Holy Ghost may rest upon it; that the unity of believers in Christ may be more fully apprehended; that all who call themselves Christians may be truly converted; that all Christ's true disciples may be faithful witnesses for Him by their love, zeal, and holiness of life; and that the growth of error and superstition may be arrested.-1 Cor. i. 2, 3; Phil. iii. 13 to 21; Col. i. 10 to 18; Rom. xii.; 2 Tim. ii. 11 to 26. Chairman: General Sir ROBERT PHAYRE, K.C.B. Address by the Rev. J. MONRO GIBSON, D.D., St. John's Wood Presbyterian Church. WEDNESDAY, January 10.—Nations and their Rulers.—Prayer that all earthly rulers may acknowledge their responsibility to the King of kings, and seek the promotion of righteousness and the maintenance of peace; that all religious persecutions may be stayed; that national discontent and strife, anarchy and oppression may cease; that drunkenness, impurity and gambling may be put away; that slavery and all sinful traffic may be speedily abolished, and that God's Day may be nationally honoured.-2 Sam. xxiii. 1 to 7; 2 Chron. xxxiv. 19 to 23; 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2; Rom. xiii.; Dan. iv. 27 to 37; Isaiah xxxii. Chairman: JOHN PATON, ESQ. Addresses by the Rev. F. B. MEYER, B.A., Christ Church, Westminster Bridge Road. THURSDAY, January 11.-Foreign Missions.-Praise to God for the great success which has attended Missionary enterprise in recent years and for the revived interest of the Church in the work.-Acts xv. 1 to 17; Ps. Ixvii.; Ps. cxxvi. Prayer for Missionary Churches and Societies, and for all efforts for disseminating the Word of God and extending Christ's Kingdom in the Heathen and Mohammedan world; for Native Churches and their Pastors; for secret disciples; for all Missionaries and their helpers; and for the removal of all hindrances to the progress of Christianity.-Is. lv.; Ps. ii. 6 to 8; Is. xlix. 1 to 13; Rev. xi. 15; Rom. i. 1 to 17. Chairman: T. MORGAN HARVEY, Esq. Address by the Rev. B. BARINGGOULD, M.A., Church Missionary Society. FRIDAY, January 12.-Home Missions and the Jews.-Praise for past blessing in connexion with evangelistic work and Missions to the Jews.-Rom. x. 1 to 13; Luke x. 17 to 24; Acts viii. 1 to 8. Prayer for all Christian agencies, and for all individual efforts to win souls for Christ; for the masses who live without God; and for Christian work among special classes, such as soldiers, sailors, &c.-Phil. i. 1 to 18; John i. 35 to 51. Prayer for God's Ancient People Israel that the veil upon their hearts may be removed; that all persecutions of the Jews may cease; that Christians may more fully understand God's purposes concerning Israel, and so live as to commend the Gospel to their Jewish neighbours.-Ps. cxxii. 6 to 8; Is. liv.; lxi.; Hos. ii. 14 to 23; Rom. xi. 26, 27. Chairman: Sir WILLIAM WILLIS. Address by the Rev. J. HILES HITCHENS, D.D., Eccleston Square Church, SATURDAY, January 13.-Families and Schools.-Prayer that our sons and daughters may be truly converted; that they may be trained in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and be enabled to overcome the temptations of the age; for all special efforts on behalf of the young; for Universities, Colleges, and Schools; for much blessing upon Christian Associations of young men and of young women; for grace to parents to lead their children to the Lord, both by word and example.— Prov. xxi. 6; Luke ii. 40 to 52; Deut. vi. 1 to 9; Judges xiii. 8 to 14; Is. xliv. 3, 4; Acts ii. 39; Eph. vi. 1 to 4. Chairman: GEORGE WILLIAMS, Esq. Address by the Rev. JOHN BOND, Wesleyan Methodist Church. SUNDAY, January 14.- Sermons : "The Second Coming of our Lord."Rev. xxii. 12. Ministers of the Gospel and Christians generally, are earnestly invited to be present, and to make these meetings known as widely as possible. Collections will be made after each meeting. Special contributions are also invited towards defraying the large expenses necessarily incurred in promoting the observance of the Week of Prayer throughout the world. **All who arrange for united meetings are earnestly requested to send brief reports to the Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance, Alliance House, Adelphi, London, as soon as possible. The South London Branch of the Alliance have arranged for Meetings daily during the week: MONDAY, at 7.......... Metropolitan Tabernacle. at 7.30 TUESDAY, at 7.30 WEDNESDAY, at 99 Pastor THOMAS SPURGEON to Preside and give the Address. ....Christ Church, Westminster Bridge Road. The Rev. F. B. MEYER, B.A., to Preside and give the Address. ......Lecture Hall, Wesleyan Chapel, Brixton Hill. The Rev. JOHN STEVINSON to Preside and give the Address. 7.30....Lecture Hall, Presbyterian Church, Clapham Road. The Rev. D. MACEWAN, D.D., to Preside and give the Address. at 7.30.... Congregational Church, Streatham Hill. The Rev. J. P. GLEDSTONE to Preside and give the Address. THURSDAY, at 8........Holy Trinity School Room, Upper Tulse Hill. 99 The Rev. E. L. ROXBY, M.A., to Preside and give the Address. at 7.30...... Lecture Hall, Congregational Church, Brixton. FRIDAY, at 7.30 SATURDAY, at 8 The Rev. BERNARD J. SNELL to Preside and give the Address. ........ The School Room, St. Matthew's, Brixton. The Rev. MARCUS RAINSFORD, M.A., jun., to Preside and give the Address. ........ The School Room, St. James's, Clapham. The Rev. E. A. C. LILLINGSTON, M.A., to Preside and give the Among the numerous series of Meetings to be held in various parts of the Metropolis, the following may be specially mentioned :— Conference Hall, Mildmay Park, Daily at 11, and Evening at 7.30 o'clock. Centenary Hall, Bishopsgate Street (arranged by the City Young Men's Christian Association), two Meetings daily. From 12 to 1, and from 1 to 2 o'clock. City Y.M.C.A. Hall, 59 & 60 Cornhill, daily at 6.15 to 7.15 p.m. City of London Y.M.C.A., 186 Aldersgate Street, daily at 12. Exeter Hall (arranged by the City Y.M.C.A.), daily (Saturday excepted) 1 p.m. St. Paul's, Onslow Square (Church Room), daily, Jan. 8 to 12, at 5 p.m., and on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 7.30 p.m. Powis Hall, Powis Gardens, Bayswater, daily at 8 p.m. (Saturday excepted). Wandsworth, Down Lodge Hall, High Street. Meetings daily (except Saturday), at 3.30 p.m. A SPECIAL meeting of the Council was held on Thursday, November 30, the Treasurer presiding. After a passage of Scripture had been read by the Chairman, prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Clemance. OBITUARY. The death was reported of Lord Ebury, who had for many years been one of the Vice-Presidents of the Alliance, and previously its President. Also the Rev. Dr. Philip Schaff, Hon. Secretary of the United States Branch. The Secretary was instructed to convey to the bereaved families an expression of the sympathy of this Council. NEW MEMBERS. The names of the persons admitted to membership appeared in our last issue. DEPUTATION WORK. Mr. Arnold then reported that immediately after the last Council Meeting he had paid a visit to Glasgow, where he had several drawing-room meetings, and also conducted pulpit services on the Sunday. The results had been very gratifying, about seventy new members and subscribers being obtained, and the interest in the Alliance generally was greatly revived. Mr. Arnold added that he had promises of further meetings next year, and mentioned that he had addressed the congregation of Claremont United Presbyterian Church on the Sunday evening, when the minister, the Rev. Dr. MacEwen, kindly pledged the congregation to make a collection for the Alliance next year. In the meantime, however, the Church had already forwarded £5 as a contribution to the funds of the Alliance. The Secretary also paid a hurried visit to Edinburgh, where he met the Local Committee, and with gratifying results. Mr. Arnold then gave a brief report of his visit to the Continent, from the 4th to the 21st of November, and referred specially to the Conference of the North German Branch held in Berlin. At Wiesbaden the Princess of Schaumberg Lippe kindly held a drawing-room meeting, and the address of the British Secretary was received with great interest, many of those present, including H.S.H., becoming members of the Alliance. Mr. Arnold mentioned a remarkable incident. Forty years ago the British Alliance were pleading with the then Prince of Schaumberg Lippe for religious liberty for the persecuted and imprisoned Baptists and Methodists, whilst at the meeting just held the chief interest centred in the work of the Alliance in favour of persecuted Christians, and representative Baptists and Methodists were present. RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION. Referring to his meeting with several Russian brethren, Mr. Arnold stated that they spent much time together in prayer and conference, regarding the situation in Russia and particularly with reference to the position of the Stundists. The general conclusions arrived at were that the Evangelical Alliance could not do better than continue its efforts (1) in seeking to bring private influence to bear to mitigate the persecutions; (2) in obtaining funds for the relief of the suffering families; (3) in stimulating Christians everywhere to earnest prayer to God. There were some hopeful signs that God is already answering prayer in this matter. The Chairman, in the name of the Council, expressed their gratitude to God for the successful results which had attended their Secretary's visit to the Continent. Thanks were also conveyed to Mr. Arnold for the effective service he had rendered. It was agreed that the suggestion of the Russian brethren as to great caution in the publication of details should be observed, though it was felt that it was due to the members and friends of the Alliance, to publish the statement which had been approved by the Russian brethren. The usual monthly meeting of the Council was held on Thursday, December 14, the treasurer presiding. After a passage of Scripture had been read by the Chairman, prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Gritton. |