MOAB. It will be seen by the Selections from Committee Proceedings that the Society has taken over one independent Mission, and declined to take steps for the adoption of another. The former has hitherto been known to the Christian people interested in undenominational work as "Mr. Lethaby's Mission in Moab." Mr. Lethaby settled a few years ago at Kerak, the ancient" Kir of Moab," and he was backed by a small Council in England, of which our old friend General Haig was a member. Lately some difficulties arose into which it is needless to enter, and both the Council and Mr. Lethaby, independently of each other, asked the C.M.S. to take over the Mission and make it part of our general work in Palestine. After due inquiry on the spot, the Committee have agreed to be responsible for Kerak, which is no great distance from our station at Salt, and can therefore be superintended by the Rev. H. Sykes. Mr. Lethaby himself retices, but his wife is staying on for a few months, and two agents who have been working under them are being employed temporarily.-Church Missionary Intelligencer.

CAIRO. The work which, on the other hand, the Committee do not feel called on to undertake, has been long and widely known as the Whately Mission at Cairo. The late Miss Whately was extremely anxious that the C.M.S. should take charge of her schools; but even if this had been desirable, it proved not to be possible, owing to the peculiar conditions of Miss Whately's will, which left the buildings, &c., practically in the control of the Syrian lady who had worked with her. Here, too, there have been grave difficulties; and it must be stated that the famous school at Cairo has now little of a missionary character. It is not at all clear that the Society could have obtained the property now even had it been the Committee's wish to have it; but our work in Cairo is in the heart of the Mohammedan quarter of the city, and it would be unwise to transfer it to the Copt quarter where the Whately School is; and if hereafter we are able to extend the Egypt Mission, it would be much better to extend it in some other direction.-Church Missionary Intelligencer.

BAPTISM OF JEWS.-The Rev. James Murray, B.D., who is now at home, writes from Smyrna, April 10, 1894: "Just a line to announce the baptism of a Jewish family on Sunday last. I had hoped that two families would have come forward, but for good reasons I had to refuse one family. There were baptised in all six-parents and four children. Two of the girls have been in our school for a considerable time, so that we might claim them as the first-fruits of the school, though I believe several girls would be very happy to confess Jesus as their Saviour were it not for their parents. Several strangers, tourists, were present at the baptism, and were much interested in the ceremony. The family belongs to the better class, and I am very hopeful of them. The eldest girl is one of the best girls in the school in all respects." -Church of Scotland Home & Foreign Mission Record.

ALBANIA.-The Religious Tract Society sends us the following: "From time to time the attention of the English people is called to the lawless condition of some parts of Southern Europe. No more vivid picture of the actual state of things has been given for a long time than is to be found in the journal of M. Kyrias, formerly a colporteur of the British & Foreign Bible Society in Albania. He was seized by brigands in the district of Ochrida, hurried to the recesses of the mountains, and there held for ransom till the sum of 700 lira was raised by his friends (it is interesting and instructive, by the way, to note that more than half of this sum vanished before it reached the brigands), the Government being either unable or unwilling to furnish the amount of ransom or to secure the release of the prisoner. M. Kyrias' captivity lasted throughout six months, during which time he was treated with every cruelty and indignity by the ignorant and superstitious Albanian boors who had charge of him. Constantly dragged from place to place for fear of discovery, M. Kyrias was overwrought and underfed, abused and beaten, until life became a burden. For forty days he was blindfolded, lest he might afterwards betray the hiding-places of his captors. With the same object his ears were stopped with wax. So terrible were his sufferings during these winter months that his health and strength were permanently broken down. Some time after his release he read a narrative of his capture and adventures before the magistrates at Monastir, and it has been recently published in full in the Sunday at Home. The record is a startling revelation of a condition of things which might have been thought impossible in

Europe; but the brigands declare themselves to be no worse than the society around them. M. Kyrias died a few months since."

ICHANG, CHINA.-The Church of Scotland Foreign Missions Committee have kindly sent us the following extract from a report by the Rev. William Deans: "During this quarter the Chinese New Year has intervened. It fell on February 6. It is a time of feasting and holiday. All business is stopped for some time. The mission work in all its branches ceased for a short time. The usual Christian services were alone continued. It was thought a good time to have a special week of prayer. While others were gambling and holiday-making, while outside crackers were being fired and gongs beat before the idols, a small company of Christians met daily for meditation and prayer. This week of prayer was quite a new feature in Ichang, and it was with a little fear of failure that the announcement was made. But the meetings were a great success, the attendance far exceeding our expectations. Two special sermons were preached on the Sundays beginning and ending the week. The subjects were Pentecostal Power,' and 'The Second Coming of Christ.' The subjects for prayer were those contained in the syllabus sent out by the Evangelical Alliance. A fine tone pervaded all the meetings, and we do pray as a result of these that this year be one of greater earnestness in working and in living. Then surely shall the showers of blessing fall in copiousness."

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NEW YORK.-Work among the Jews.-In New York from 600 to 800 Jews come together every Sunday to hear the Gospel preached, and listen with the greatest interest to the story of the Cross. The following is an extract from the New York City Mission Monthly, and will no doubt interest our readers. Dr. Shauffler writes the following (He is the editor, and vice-president of the New York City Mission): Hermann Warszawiak is the name of the man whom God has chosen for work among the Jews. He was born in March 1865, at Warsaw, and was the son of a well-to-do merchant. Already, when still a boy, doubts used to arise in his Jewish mind, about their religion being the right one. He asked his father once: Why don't we offer any sacrifices to the Lord now?' 'Because we have no temple,' the father answered. How then,' the boy went on to say, can we have forgiveness of sins?' 'We,' answered his father, receive this forgiveness by asking for it.' But this did not satisfy the boy, who asked: Did our forefathers not pray for forgiveness of sins as well as offer sacrifices? And is it not written, dear father, that whoever sinned should bring a young lamb without blemish and his sins should be forgiven? it says nothing about praying for forgiveness, without the sacrifice.' His father became impatient and forbade him to ask more questions, but told him that when the Messiah came, Israel would again offer sacrifices. The boy was carefully brought up a strict Jew, with the idea of becoming a Rabbi. After he had finished his studies, he married, when but eighteen years old, the daughter of a rich Jewish banker. As his father had his own synagogue in his house, he preached there every week. He generally preferred preaching on the passages in the Prophets which dealt with the Messiah, and it was then when he first began to know Him Who was wounded for our transgressions?' He, through God's providence, became the possessor of a new Testament in Hebrew and other Christian literature, which made a deep impression on him. About this time he was ordered to go into the Russian army to serve his time, as was customary. His parents spent thousands of roubles to free him from this, but it was useless; so the only way to escape the army was to go into another country, and he was sent to Germany, and he visited, among other places, Breslau. The first Sunday he was there he said to himself: Now I am a free man and can do as I like, I'll go to a Christian church and hear the service, and what they have to say about the Messiah.' With this in his mind he, as he was walking along, was attracted by singing, and his eyes fell upon a placard on which it said, there was service in this place every Sunday. He went into the large room in which a missionary to the Jews, a Scotch minister, Mr. Edward, was preaching. He went to him after the meeting and found what he wanted, Christian teaching. Of course there were many difficulties to overcome and many doubts still, but after a three months' teaching he found the Messiah and was baptised on October 6, 1889, before a large congregation of Jews and Jewesses, on which occasion he made a most touching speech, during which he told out boldly in Whom he believed, and gave his testimony most clearly and decidedly. He had to leave Breslau, on account of

persecution from his own sect, and went to Scotland, where he stayed six months. He meant to study to be a missionary to his own people; but here too, persecution obliged him to leave, and so he arrived at New York and was to go to Philadelphia. But the Lord meant otherwise. He found that there were 200,000 Jews in New York, and Dr. Shauffler gave him the use of the large meeting-room of the De Witt Memorial Church; he felt he ought to stay in New York to work there amongst his own people. After a while the room became too small and they had to go into the church, and his work there is much blessed. Pastor Leonhard writes: There is the same unseen power about Warszawiak, which is about Moodythe power of the Holy Ghost. Our brother W. is wholly given up to his Saviour, and the more one knows him the more one becomes certain that he walks with

God." His object is not his own, but God's honour. If we go by outward signs of success, we know there were up to April of this year thirty-five souls won to the Saviour and baptised, and there are about 2,300 which have accepted Christ, but require more teaching before baptism. Let us pray for our brother and also praise God for his success.'"-From Philadelphia.

PROTESTANT HOSPITAL AT GENOA.-We translate the following from Le Temoin: "The institution is in a prosperous condition, the payments for admission in 1893 having been over 91,000 francs and the expenditure over 88,000 francs. The important and generous Grunelius' gift (100,000 francs) has enabled the management to transform the hospital completely, and to make considerable improvements therein. The institution now rebuilt contains six spacious sunny wards, with 38 beds in them, an isolated ward, a room for the Council, one for records, a bathroom on each floor, new furniture throughout, a liberally-replenished wardrobe, &c. 247 patients, belonging to 21 different countries, were treated in the hospital in 1893, and 212 of these went away cured or in improved health. The visits of out-patients reached the number of 5,259 and cost on an average 4.75 francs each. We wish this valuable institution continued prosperity in the future, being persuaded that the patients get food for the soul there as well as for the body."

FIGUERAS, SPAIN.-Madame Lopez Rodriguez writes as follows: "By this post we forward copy of the defence made at the trial of Don Alexander, by our distinguished advocate, who is considered one of the most brilliant orators in Spain. That the sentence of imprisonment for three years six months and twenty-one days, with costs, has been revoked, is indeed a remarkable answer to the many prayers offered in England and in this country, especially as two of Rome's favourite dogmas-the worship of the wafer and of images-were the topic. After acknowledging the good hand of our God upon us,' we owe gratitude to the advocate who so ably defended our cause. The defence which we have translated with utmost care, will, I feel sure, interest not only friends of the Mission, but all lovers of Protestant truth. It would be well if it could be placed in the hands of Ritualistic clergy in England and Scotland, who hold and practise the Romish errors treated of in the defence. It would doubtless facilitate this if you would kindly put a notice in your paper that the Letter from Spain' can be had gratis on application to the Hon. Treasurer of the Mission, Dr. Macwhirter Dunbar, or to us in Figueras. We shall also be greatly obliged if you will help us by inserting some extracts from the defence, and the appeal for aid in defraying legal expenses in Evangelical Christendom. I may mention that it is a fact that Don Alexander is the first Protestant ever brought before a tribunal in Cataluña, and El Heraldo is the first Protestant paper prosecuted in Spain."

**Quite recently, information has been received of fresh cases of persecution of the Stundists in Russia; and there seems to be no amelioration whatever in the condition of these oppressed people. There is, therefore, greater need than ever for continued and earnest prayer to God on their behalf; that, if it please Him, the persecutions may be stayed, but that, in any case, those who have been brought out of darkness into light may be kept faithful and true to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Evangelical Alliance.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS CONFERENCE.

SEPTEMBER 25-27.

THE arrangements for the Conference are not yet quite complete, but we hope to give the full programme in our next issue.

The names of those expected to take part in the proceedings have been already published in these columns; and the subjects for addresses include many of special interest and importance. Among them we may mention-" The value of the Basis of the Evangelical Alliance as a real bond of Union;" "Present day unbelief, and how to meet it;" "Sacerdotalism contrary to the Scripture doctrine of the Atonement; The relation of Christianity to modern education;" 'Faith's achievements; or, old weapons for new warriors; "The Word of the Truth of the Gospel; ""The meaning of Pentecost; or, the indwelling and anointing of the Holy Ghost; Missions to the Heathen, and Mission Work on the Continent; " Home Missions."

It has already been stated that the necessary local arrangements are made by the Committee at Tunbridge Wells; and that hospitality will be provided, as far as possible, for members and friends of the Alliance who desire to avail themselves of it. It is particularly requested that all who are intending to be present will communicate with the Secretary of the Alliance, 7 Adam Street, Strand, London, as early as possible.

PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL.

THE monthly meeting of Council was held on Thursday, July 5, the Treasurer, and afterwards the Hon. and Rev. E. V. Bligh, presiding. After a passage of Scripture had been read by the Chairman, prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Matthews.

NEW MEMBERS.

The following persons were unanimously admitted to membership:

Dr. Potter, Tunbridge Wells.

Mrs. Mackenzie, Tunbridge Wells.

Mr. Jno. M. McAuliffe, Tunbridge Wells.
Mrs. Marten, Tunbridge Wells.
Mrs. Smithers, Tunbridge Wells.
Mr. Alfred Taylor, Tunbridge Wells.
Mr. Andrew Dougall, Tunbridge Wells.

J. F. W. Deacon, Esq., Tonbridge.
H. W. Fry, Esq., London.

Miss J. D. Smith, London.

W. T. Broughall Woods, Esq., London.
Mr. Francis W. F. Shipton, London.
Mr. Albert C. Kestin, London.
Mrs. Robert Martin, Norwood.

OBITUARY.

The Secretary reported the decease of the Rev. Lord Forester, one of the vice-presidents, since the last meeting of Council. It was agreed that a suitable expression of the sympathy of this Council with Lady Forester in her bereavement should be forwarded by the Secretary, and also that an obituary notice of the late peer, who was one of the founders of the Evangelical Alliance, should be published in Evangelical Christendom.

The death was also reported of the Earl of Lindsay, one of the recent additions to the membership of the Alliance; of Colonel Rowlandson, who had been for a great number of years a warm supporter of the Alliance; and also of Mr. W. H. Howland, President of the Dominion Branch of the Alliance. The Secretary was instructed to convey to each of the bereaved families an expression of the sympathy of this Council.

CANADA.

The Chairman then introduced the Rev. R. G. Boville, Secretary of the Hamilton (Canada) Branch, who, being on a visit to this country, had been invited to be present at this meeting. Mr. Boville thanked the Chairman and the Secretary for the kind way in which he had been introduced, and stated that throughout Canada there was very warm interest in and sympathy with the work of the Evangelical Alliance; he hoped that it might be possible, at an early date, for the British Secretary to pay a visit to the Dominion. He felt sure that a series of meetings held in connexion with such a visit would tend to strengthen the connexion between the Dominion branch of the Alliance and the Parent Society.

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.

The Council having been urged by many members and friends of the Alliance to express its views regarding religious education in schools, a special Sub-Committee was appointed at the last meeting to prepare a Minute on the subject.

The Council having considered this recommendation of the Sub-Committee unanimously adopted the Minute, with slight alteration, and in the following

terms:

"Persuaded of the supreme importance of Bible instruction in the elementary schools of our country, and the peril of its possible exclusion through existing denominational differences, the Council are strongly of opinion that, in view of these differences, religious instruction in the London Board Schools will be best promoted, and the spiritual interests of the children best secured, by adhesion to the compromise of 1870-71 in its integrity."

UNIVERSAL WEEK OF PRAYER, 1895.

A draft of the Week of Prayer Invitation and Programme for next year having been submitted and read, the Council adopted the same, and it was ordered to be sent to the foreign branches of the Alliance for approval.

ANNUAL CONference.

The Secretary reported the latest arrangements made for the Tunbridge Wells Conference.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN TURKEY.

Letters were read from the Constantinople Committee, giving a graphic account of the sufferings of the Protestant community in Ordou and Fatsa, and also a full statement regarding the present situation with reference to the whole question of