NEW MEMBERS. The following persons were unanimously admitted to membership: Baron Schimmelpenninck van der Oye, The Hague. T. Kitchen, Esq., Paris. Miss B. Wellington, Paris. F. Le Poidari, Esq., and Mrs., Paris. H. J. Benham, Esq., and Mrs., Paris. Count and Countess Korff, Baden. Her Serene Highness the Princess of M. Kranz-Busch, Esq., M.D., PH.D., Miss C. H. Locke, Wiesbaden. A. H. Grautoff, Esq., Twickenham. DEPUTATION WORK. The Rev. J. Consterdine gave a brief report of a meeting attended, and also a sermon preached on behalf of the Alliance. ANNUAL REPORT. Mr. Arnold then read a summary of the work for the year, and stated that as the Annual Meeting was now held in May, a report of the first six months' work was presented on that occasion, and a further report of the remaining six months was presented at the Autumnal Conference. The Council, having heard the summary read, approved the same, and adopted it as the report for publication with the list of subscribers and the cash statement. The Secretary stated that the balance-sheet showed the general funds to be fairly well sustained; yet the special fund of nearly £900 for the relief of the sufferings of persecuted Christians had, as usual, produced an unfavourable effect on the other funds of the Alliance. Then also in the present year, owing to depression in trade, a large number of subscribers had been compelled to withdraw their contributions or to reduce the amounts. Thus the total receipts for the general objects showed a falling-off of £160. WEEK OF UNIVERSAL PRayer. The Secretary laid on the table copies of the programme for the London meetings during the Week of Prayer. CHICAGO CONFERENCE. In regard to the Chicago Conference, arranged by the United States Evangelical Alliance, a letter was read from the Rev. Dr. Strong, the Secretary at New York, to the following effect: "Our Conference was most admirable in its programme, though not all we could have desired in point of attendance. Though some of our section conferences attracted little or no attention, the audience of the General Conference ran up as high as 1,500 or 2,000. We have reason to think that we had a selected audience representing many parts of the country, and the educational value of the Conference will be great. Mr. Paton has kindly consented to prepare a report of it for Evangelical Christendom, which, no doubt, he has done ere this. Lord Kinnaird was present as a representative of the British Alliance, and rendered us excellent service, speaking several times." The Secretary stated that Mr. John Paton had very kindly written an admirable report of the Conference at Chicago, which had appeared in Evangelical Christendom, and had been greatly appreciated. It was unanimously resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, and seconded by Colonel Brooke, that the hearty thanks of this Council be conveyed (1) to Lord Kinnaird for his kindness in going to America as the delegate of the British Organization to the Chicago Conference, and for the valuable service he rendered on that occasion; (2) to Mr. John Paton for the kind help given in preparing so comprehensive a report of the Conference for the readers of Evangelical Christendom. NEXT ANNUAL CONFERENCE. A letter was read from the Secretary of the Tunbridge Wells Branch of the Alliance to the following effect: "We had a special meeting this morning to consider your suggestion that the next Conference of the Alliance should be at Tunbridge Wells. There were present the Hon. P. Cartaret Hill in the chair, and many clergy and ministers of all denominations, together with lay members and supporters of the Evangelical Alliance at Tunbridge Wells. After due consideration the Rev. Jas. Mountain proposed and the Rev. Dr. Townsend seconded the following resolution, which was carried unanimously: "That the Evangelical Alliance, having intimated their willingness to hold their Annual Conference in Tunbridge Wells in the autumn of 1894, we hereby cordially invite them, and pledge ourselves to do all in our power to make the meetings successful, and we suggest the most suitable time to be the second or third week in October." The Council expressed their gratification at receiving this communication, and on the motion of Sir William Willis, seconded by Colonel Brooke, it was unanimously resolved : "That the hearty thanks of this Council be conveyed to the Tunbridge Wells Branch of the Alliance for their cordial invitation, and that the Council will have much pleasure in making arrangements for the next Annual Conference to be held in that town." IRISH BRANCH. A letter was read from the Rev. D. Mullan, secretary of the Irish Branch, stating that one of the most important steps in connexion with the work in Ireland has been definitely taken by the amalgamation of the United Services Committee with the Dublin Council. The work hitherto carried on by the two bodies will, in future, be under the flag of the Alliance. Mr. Mullan states that this decision was taken with great unanimity, and, he adds: "There can be no doubt that the recent Conference altered the view of many regarding the Alliance, and materially contributed to the result. It greatly strengthens the position of the Alliance in this country, and, if we are adequately supported, we should be in a position to make a new and vigorous departure." After due consideration, the following resolution was adopted : The Council have received with interest a letter from the Dublin Council, containing the information that one of the results of the recent Conference has been the amalgamation of the United Services Committee of Dublin with the Irish Branch of the Alliance, which bodies have been so long working upon separate and independent lines. With regard to the resolutions of the Dublin Council, forwarded in a pamphlet, entitled, “Ireland, a Suitable Field for the Work of the Evangelical Alliance," the Council need only repeat the assurances they have given on former occasions of deep interest in the work in Ireland, and also of their willingness at any time to render all the aid possible by deputations from the Parent Society. They trust that the efforts proposed for recruiting the membership of the Alliance in Ireland may be very successful, and it is hoped that this may result in increased sympathy with the whole work of the British Organization on the part of the members of its Irish Branch. PERSECUTION OF THE STUNDISTS. The Secretary laid on the table copies of resolutions adopted by the autumn assemblies of the Baptist and Congregational Unions respectively on the subject of the Persecution of the Stundists. These resolutions had been forwarded by the secretaries of those two bodies. The Council expressed their gratification that the Secretary of the Alliance had been invited to address the two assemblies on this subject, and that the resolutions of sympathy and interest had been so cordially adopted. RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION IN PERSIA. A letter was read from Mr. Vischer Sarasin, President of the Swiss Branch of the Alliance, giving information regarding another case of religious persecution in Persia. THE LORD'S DAY ON THE CONTINENT. A communication was read from one of the secretaries of the International Federation of Lord's Day Societies appealing to the Council for a grant, as it is now many years since the Alliance had given pecuniary help in this important work. It was agreed that the sum of £10 should be sent for this object. FOREIGN BRANCHES. Letters were received from Mr. E. J. Adeney, of Alexandria, with reference to the formation of a branch of the Alliance in that city. The Secretary also stated that a branch had been formed at Mauritius. An interesting letter was received from Mr. Forsaith, the acting secretary of of the New South Wales Branch, referring to the death of the Rev. Dr. Sutherland. SECRETARIAL VISIT TO THE CONTINENT. MR. ARNOLD, at a recent meeting, presented to the Council a report of his recent deputation visit to the Continent. Leaving London on November 4, he arrived at The Hague early on the 5th, where he was the guest of Count F. Van Bylandt, from whom he received a most cordial and hospitable welcome. On Monday, November 6, a goodly number of Christian friends assembled at the invitation of the Count and Countess Bylandt in their drawing-room, and the Secretary's statement regarding the world-wide work of the Evangelical Alliance was received with much interest. Many of the warm-hearted Dutch friends expressed their deep sympathy with the whole work of the Alliance, and especially with its efforts on behalf of persecuted Christians. The condition of the Stundists in Russia proved particularly to be a topic upon which all were touched, and Mr. Arnold referred to the fact that only a few months ago a sum of money had been collected at The Hague and forwarded to London towards the fund being raised by the Alliance for the relief of the suffering families of the Stundists. The result of this meeting will, it is confidently hoped, revive interest in the Evangelical Alliance in Holland. Having to be in Berlin on the morning of the 8th, Mr. Arnold was not able to visit Amsterdam, but passed through to the German capital, arriving there on the evening of the 7th. The Conference arranged by the Berlin Committee held its sittings during two days, under the presidency of Count A. Bernstorff. Reference has already been made in another column to the Berlin meetings, which were felt by all to be useful and profitable gatherings. At the first evening gathering addresses were given by the foreign delegates-from the British Organization (Mr. Arnold), the Swiss Branch (M. Vischer-Sarasin), and the Dutch Branch (Dr. Gerth van Wyk). Mr. Arnold's address was interpreted by Count A. Bernstorff, who, in the name of the Conference, thanked the British Secretary for his visit, and the Council for deputing him. During his stay in Berlin, Mr. Arnold had many opportunities of meeting and conferring with friends of the Alliance from various parts of Germany. Proceeding to Frankfort, where a meeting had been arranged with several Russian brethren, two days were spent in consultation regarding the whole question of religious liberty in Russia. On the evening of Sunday, November 12, the British Secretary was present at a "family gathering," in the Verheinshaus Nord Ost. Mr. de Neufville, president of the Frankfort branch of the Alliance, was in the chair, and interpreted for Mr. Arnold a brief address, which he gave at the request of the friends. On November 14, Mr. Arnold proceeded to Wiesbaden, where Mr. and Mrs. Banfield had taken a very cordial interest in the visit of the British Secretary, and had succeeded in making arrangements for a drawing-room meeting on behalf of the Alliance, given by H.S.H. the Princess of Schaumberg Lippe at her residence. Notwithstanding unfavourable weather, a large number of Christian ladies and gentlemen assembled in the afternoon, including the Princess herself and some of her immediate friends. Mr. Arnold presided, and, after the meeting had been opened by singing a hymn and prayer, he spoke of the principles of the Evangelical Alliance, referring specially to efforts made on behalf of religious liberty in various countries. The position of the Stundists in Russia and some of the Christians in Turkey evoked much sympathetic interest, and at the close of the address the Rev. Mr. Hanbury, the English Chaplain, in the name of the meeting, expressed hearty thanks to Mr. Arnold for his visit and for the information he had given. The meeting was closed with prayer and the Benediction by Mr. Hanbury, after which a collection was taken in aid of the funds of the Alliance, and many of those present gave their names for enrolment as members, including H.S.H. the Princess of Schaumberg Lippe. An interesting historical coincidence should be mentioned in connexion with this meeting. Forty years ago the Council of the British Organization of the Alliance appealed to the then Prince of Schaumberg Lippe on behalf of Baptists and Methodists who were imprisoned for preaching and circulating the Bible and religious tracts in that principality. The appeal was eventually successful, and religious liberty was secured not only in Schaumberg Lippe, but also in other parts of Germany where religious intolerance had prevailed. Now, after 40 years, the Evangelical Alliance is enabled to hold a drawing-room meeting in the house of the Princess of Schaumberg Lippe, when representatives of all denominations are present, including Baptists and Methodists! Proceeding next to Brussels, Mr. Arnold received a warm and hospitable welcome from Pasteur and Mrs. Meyhoffer. In the evening of November 16, a public meeting of the Brussels branch of the Alliance was held in the Temple du Musée, under the presidency of the minister, Pasteur Rochedieu. There was a large attendance, and after devotional exercises, Mr. Arnold gave an address setting forth the aims and objects of the Evangelical Alliance, describing also its practical work. Pasteur Brocher acted as interpreter, and great interest was awakened by the Secretary's statement, particularly with regard to the persecutions in Russia and Turkey. On the following evening a drawing-room meeting was held in the house of Pasteur Meyhoffer who, with his wife, gave a very cordial reception to a large gathering of pastors and other leading Protestant Christians in Brussels. Here also the statement of the British Secretary evoked expressions of sympathetic interest, and many questions were asked and information given regarding details of the work which could not be supplied at a more public gathering. It was felt that these two meetings would do much to strengthen the branch of the Alliance, as well as to widen and deepen the sympathy of Protestant Christians in that city with the work of the Evangelical Alliance. Proceeding next to Paris, Mr. Arnold, as on former occasions, was the guest of Dr. D. E. Anderson, the hon. secretary of the English-speaking branch of the Alliance in Paris, who, with Mrs. Anderson, again warmly and hospitably received the British Secretary. On Sunday, November 19, Mr. Arnold had a busy day, addressing the Congregational Church, Rue Royale, in the morning, the Rev. J. S. Anderson taking part of the service; in the evening, addressing a large congregation in the Wesleyan Chapel, the Rev. H. Bramley Hart taking part of the service; and in the afternoon, addressing the English branch of the Y.M.C.A. On Monday, November 20, a drawing-room meeting was held at Washington House, Rue de Milan, by the kind permission of Miss Hockley. A large number of English-speaking Christians attended this meeting and seemed greatly to appreciate the hour spent in social intercourse, during which tea and coffee were served. Afterwards the Rev. Dr. Noyes, President of the Branch, took the chair, and the meeting was opened with the singing of a hymn and prayer. The Chairman, in a felicitous speech expressed his hearty sympathy with the principles and the work of the Alliance. He was glad that the Society reminded them of the fact of there being but one Church of Christ, composed of all those who truly love the Lord Jesus. Then he rejoiced in the fact that the Alliance was evangelical. This was a time when it behoved all true followers of Christ to defend their colours, and therefore he was not ashamed of the term "Evangelical." He then referred to the direct and indirect results of the Alliance, and he thought it had been an incalculable blessing to the world, especially in its defence of persecuted Christians. In conclusion, he urged the great need of still more union among Evangelical Christians. Mr. Arnold followed with an address giving details regarding the recent work of the Alliance, and, at the close, the Chairman, in the name of the meeting, expressed his cordial thanks to the British Secretary for his helpful and stimulating visit among them. It is gratifying to add that many new members were enrolled at this meeting, and the English-speaking Branch at Paris now numbers nearly fifty members. DEPUTATION WORK. On the afternoon of November 3, Miss Mason, at the House of Rest, St. John's Wood, kindly opened her drawing-room for a meeting, to which she had invited a large number of friends, a goodly number of whom were present. The Rev. James Consterdine presided, and also gave an account of the work and principles of the Evangelical Alliance, especially dwelling upon its efforts on behalf of the persecuted. He pointed out that it was directly due to the Alliance that Professors Thoumaïan and Kayayan were at liberty and still alive, as it was upon information supplied by the Council that the British Government were enabled to act. The meeting was then addressed by M. Thoumaïan, who gave a very interesting account of his own imprisonment, showing drawings of the fetters, &c., which he had been compelled to wear. A collection was taken on behalf of the funds of the Alliance. On Wednesday, December 6, Mr. Consterdine preached a sermon in the parish church of Abinger, near Dorking, in which he pointed out that such a union of Christians as the Evangelical Alliance promoted was a true preparation for the coming of the King. The Rev. T. P. Hill, rector of Abinger, is a member of the Alliance. The Rev. J. B. Figgis, of Brighton, taking advantage of the residence in that town during the winter of General Sir John Field, K.C.B., arranged for a meeting in his church on behalf of the Evangelical Alliance. The meeting was a very successful one, over 400 persons being present. General Sir John Field spoke on the Principles and Work of the Alliance, a subject upon which he was eminently qualified to speak, owing to his long connexion with the Alliance as secretary. He was, therefore, glad to have this opportunity of pleading the cause of Christian union. He also dwelt upon the value and importance of the Week of Universal Prayer. His was the principal address, but the Rev. W. Haslam and the Rev. James Neil also spoke briefly on the subject of Christian Union. A great deal of interest was manifested and a collection was made on behalf of the Alliance-some names being also given for membership. It was felt that such a gathering held at that time would be helpful in regard to the observance of the coming Week of Prayer. The Council are much indebted to Mr. Figgis for the arrangements made, and to Sir John Field for his kind service in acting as a deputation from the Evangelical Alliance. A MEETING of Council was held in the Christian Union Buildings, Dublin, on Monday, November 27. David Drummond, Esq., J.P., presided. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. James Wilson. NEW MEMBERS. The following persons were unanimously admittted to membership: Rev. W. S. Montgomery, B.D., Abbeyleix; J. Marshall Butler, Esq,, Dublin; J. Bewley Beale, Esq., Dublin; John Erskine, Esq., Ballina; Fenton E. Bury, Esq., Dublin; Rev. R. Oswald, Rathfriland; S. J. Bennett, Esq., King's Court; John N. Boyland, |