the evangelisation of Africa upon the heart of the Christian world. During this brief interval Christian missionaries have pressed toward the interior of the Continent; and still the doors of opportunity open more rapidly than the Christian nations can enter them.

We present some of the obligations that have been laid upon us who live in this age of the world: (1) The command of our Blessed Master. (2) Our obligation to those early missionaries who bore the Gospel to our ancestors. (3) Our indebtedness to those missionaries and missionary settlers who bore the Gospel to this Continent. Freely have we received; let us freely give. (4) The duty which rests upon us to follow up the noble work of the pioneers of modern missions who lived down the opposition of a worldly Christian sentiment at home, and overcame heathen prejudice abroad-many of whom sealed their labours with their lives in fields where there is now free access. (5) We owe a debt to those who more recently have gone from our communities and churches, and from our own circles of kindred, and who are now in the heat and burden of the day demanding our sympathy, our prayers and our support.

There is need just now for union in missions as a matter of common defence. It is an age which, through various forms of literature, boldly challenges the supreme claims of Christianity-its teachings and its work. The cause of foreign missions is especially liable to assailment as it is far off, and therefore may more safely be made the subject of ignorant ridicule. "The whole membership of the churches should be made intelligent to the end that they may be steadfast, immovable, alway abounding in the work of the Lord.''

The Protestant Christians of America now number several millions. If by their common belief and teachings, their harmony of plans and methods, their union in such forms of appeal or published facts and statements as shall instruct and inspire public sentiment, these great masses of Christian believers can be led to act as one united body, there will be presented a spectacle of Christian union and a volume of moral earnestness and power, which will impress the nation and the world with the divine reality of the Gospel.

We are now in the last decade of the nineteenth century. We call upon all who love the Lord Jesus Christ to pray with all earnestness that these may be years of special harvest. In some mission-fields it is already demonstrated that by the Spirit of God thousands may be gathered where there have been only hundreds or scores. By true Christian comity as between all our different organisations, by economy of resources, by more and more of the spirit of fraternal counsel and cooperation, we pledge ourselves as official administrators of the work of missions, to do our part as God shall give us wisdom and strength. And with this pledge we call upon all who have influence to join with us in an effort to awaken the whole Church in the United States and Canada to a sense of the unprecedented opportunity that is now before it. We plead with instructors in colleges and theological seminaries to hold up the great work of Missions before the young men who are under their care. In the name of our respective boards and societies we most earnestly call upon all pastors of churches and their associate officers and overseers to embrace the opportunity afforded them. They have an influence which none others can exert. They alone can rally and move the entire rank and file of the Church. We call upon superintendents and teachers of Sabbath - schools to realise that soon the young generation under their care must take the entire responsibility of this vast work. We welcome and invite to still greater participation the noble efforts of the women of the Church in their various organisations. We extend the hand of cordial invitation to Young Men's Christian Associations and Young Women's Christian Associations, to all guilds and societies of the young in any branch of the Church, to join in one common effort for the salvation of the world, and to unite with new meaning and emphasis in the divinely prescribed petition, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

THE monthly meeting of Council was held on Thursday, September 13, Mr. Hodder presiding. After a passage of Scripture had been read by the Chairman, prayer was offered by General Noble.

NEW MEMBERS.

The following persons were unanimously admitted to membership:

DEPUTATION WORK.

Mr. Arnold and the Rev. J. Consterdine gave reports of their recent Deputation Work.

ANNUAL CONference.

The Secretary reported final arrangements for the Tunbridge Wells Conference, and copies of the completed Programme were laid upon the table.

The Council expressed their approval of the arrangements, and also that special prayer meetings had been arranged to be held in the Council room to ask for God's blessing on the Conference.

OBITUARY.

The death was reported of Mrs. Grant, the wife of Admiral Grant, and also of the Rev. Wm. Gibson, of Paris. The Council desired the Secretary to convey the expression of their sympathy with the bereaved families.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN TURKEY.

The subject of Religious Liberty in Turkey was then brought forward and communications were read from Lord Kimberley, H.M. Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Letters were also read from the Rev. H. O. Dwight, dated July 5 and 26, and August 28. In the latter of these, Mr. Dwight stated that the Protestants at Ordou had anticipated the advice given by the Turkish Government and had arranged to erect a building for their worship, at a greater distance from the

Greek Church. Mr. Dwight appeals for help to be given to this poor congregation in their unexpected responsibility of raising £300 or £400. Mr. Dwight's letters also give further information upon the whole situation regarding Religious Liberty in Turkey.

The Council cordially approved of the appeal of the friends at Ordou; and instructed the Secretary to urge upon her Majesty's Government the extreme importance of the Protestants at Ordou being protected in their rights of worship in their present building during the construction of a new church, which they had undertaken in order to remove all possible objection on the part of the Greeks.

Other communications were read from the Rev. R. Chambers, of Bardezag, Turkey; from the Rev. W. A. Shedd, giving an account of the sufferings of the Christians in Kurdistan; and from the Rev. J. D. Houston, secretary of the Foreign Missions Committee of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland.

A letter was read from Mr. Kayayan, one of the Armenians condemned to death last year, but subsequently exiled by the Sultan. Mr. Kayayan has been studying in Edinburgh and has now gone to Germany to complete his education in medicine.

The Council approved of the steps taken by the Secretary to afford some needed help to Mr. Kayayan.

SPAIN.

A letter was read from Madame Lopez Rodriguez, in reference to the recent trial and acquittal of her brother-in-law, Alexander. She stated that the total costs of the trial, although the advocate had considerably reduced his charges, amounted to about £160, and that one half of this sum was still required. She appealed earnestly to the Council for help, and added: "We trust you will kindly lift off the burden at present resting upon us." The Council having considered the matter, agreed that a cheque for £20 should be sent towards the sum needed.

UNIVERSAL WEEK OF PRAYER.

The Secretary laid on the table copies of the Invitation an 1 Programme for next year's Week of Prayer, as adopted by this Council at last meeting, and subsequently approved by many of the foreign branches.

UNITED STATES.

A letter was read from the Rev. Dr. Strong, secretary of the New York Committee in reply to a communication on the subject of the lynching of negroes in the

United States.

The Secretary reported that copious extracts on the subject of Religiou Liberty, taken from the last Annual Report of the Evangelical Alliance had been published in The Record, The Christian, and several other religious newspapers.

SECRETARIAL

DEPUTATION

WORK.

MR. ARNOLD reported that since the last meeting of Council, he had, in connexion with a short holiday he was taking in North Wales, attended a drawing-room meeting kindly given by Mrs. Bolton at Ambleside. Though the weather was unfavourable there was a good attendance, and much interest was awakened in the secretarial account of recent work. Captain Chapman presided, and expressed his unabated interest in the work of the Alliance and his strong approval of its basis, which was greatly needed in these days. He also expressed the gratitude of those present to Mrs. Bolton for her kindness in again inviting friends to her house, this being the third year in succession that she has rendered this service. A collection was taken in aid of the funds of the Alliance, and several new members were obtained.

While paying a visit to Bournemouth, Mr. Arnold had the opportunity of addressing two of the Nonconformist congregations on Sunday, September 9namely, that of the Rev. Ossian Davies and the Rev. W. C. Minifie. There were large congregations in each case, and both ministers expressed, on behalf of the congregations, the sympathetic interest which had been evoked by the statement of the Secretary of the Alliance, regarding the persecutions of our fellow Christians in Russia and Turkey, and on whose behalf earnest prayer was asked.

Proceeding to Falmouth on Monday, September 3, Mr. Arnold had the pleasure of again being received by General and Mrs. Aylmer, who had arranged for a drawing-room meeting on Tuesday, the 4th. There was a crowded attendance, and the Rev. Dr. Deshon presided in place of General Aylmer, who is at present suffering from ill-health. On several previous occasions also General and Mrs. Aylmer had invited Christian friends to their house to hear an account of the work of the Alliance, and the secretarial statement with regard to efforts during the past year, particularly on behalf of persecuted Christians, kindled fresh sympathy among those who are already members at Falmouth, and also led to several others being enrolled as such. The Rev. C. H. Sutton and others took part in the proceedings, and a collection was taken in aid of the funds of the Alliance.

At Truro, on Thursday, September 6, a drawing-room meeting was kindly convened by Mr. and Mrs. Doidge. There was a large attendance, and considerable interest was awakened, this being the first occasion on which a drawing-room meeting had been held for the Alliance in the city of Truro. The Rev. Owen Davies and other friends took part in the proceedings, and Mr. Arnold's statement. particularly with reference to efforts recently made on behalf of the persecuted Stundists of Russia, evoked much sympathy. A collection was taken in aid of the funds of the Alliance, and a number of new members were enrolled.

On Tuesday, September 11, Mr. Arnold visited Southsea, where the Rev. F. and Mrs. Baldey again kindly opened St. Simon's Vicarage for a drawing-room on behalf of the Alliance. There was a very full attendance, and Mr. Baldey himself presided. He expressed his gratitude for the noble work which the Alliance had been permitted by God to carry on for now nearly half a century, and he felt more than ever the value and importance of such a basis of union as the Alliance afforded. Some might be endeavouring to bring about corporate re-union, but he rejoiced in the fact that the union manifested by the Evangelical Alliance was based upon agreement in the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel. Mr. Arnold's address covered principally the events of the past year, as on several former occasions he had had the opportunity of speaking in the same room. A collection of nearly £5 was taken in aid of the funds of the Alliance, and several new members were enrolled.

On Tuesday, June 26, at the Mildmay Conference, during the afternoon sectional meeting held under the Mulberry Tree, under the presidency of Stuart Trotter, Esq., the Rev. J. Consterdine gave a short account of the sufferings of the persecuted Stundists, which aroused some practical sympathy.

On Thursday afternoon, July 19, by the kindness of the Rev. and Mrs. H. C. Squires, a meeting of the Richmond Branch was held in the garden of Holy Trinity Vicarage, Richmond. Mr. Consterdine gave an account of the aims and principles of the Alliance, chiefly dwelling on its efforts on behalf of the persecuted. One or two other friends also spoke, including the Rev. A. Ernest Foster, hon. secretary, and Mr. W. Garden, treasurer, of the Richmond Branch. Owing to a shower of rain the closing addresses had to be given indoors, but this did not seem to damp the interest in the meeting. A collection was taken (£1 13s. 9d.) and eight names were received for membership.

On Wednesday morning, July 25, Mr. Consterdine preached on behalf of the Alliance in St. James's, Ryde, by the kindness of the Rev. W. H. Redknap, dwelling chiefly on the efforts made by the Evangelical Alliance on behalf of persecuted and oppressed Christians, with special reference to the case of the Stundists. In the afternoon of the same day, by kind permission of the Vicar (the Rev. W. T. Storrs), the Deputation Secretary addressed a meeting in the parish room belonging to Christ Church, Sandown. Several clergymen were present, and the chair was taken by the Rev. Mr. Wittey, curate of the parish, Mr. Storrs not being at home. The same evening Mr. Consterdine preached in Christ Church, Sandown, pleading the cause of the Alliance. The sum collected at Sandown amounted to £4 5s. 7d., and some new names were received for membership.

On Thursday evening, July 26, the Deputation Secretary preached in St. Paul's, Bournemouth, kindly opened to him by the Rev. C. L. Burrows, the vicar. The subject had been well advertised, and although the time of year was not the best for

Bournemouth, a very fair week-night congregation was gathered together by the prospect of an account of the Stundists. The collection amounted to £3 5s. 10d.

On Friday, July 27, Mr. Consterdine proceeded to Portsmouth, where he addressed an evening meeting in the Schoolroom of St. John's, Portsea, to which he was welcomed by the Vicar, the Rev. H. Lindsey Young. Much interest was manifested in the cause, and although this is a poor district, yet 19s. 6d. was collected for the funds of the Alliance, including the subscriptions of several new

members.

THE WEEK OF UNIVERSAL PRAYER.

JANUARY 6-13, 1895.

WE gave, in our last issue, the full Invitation and Programme for the next year's Week of Prayer; but it has been suggested that, as Evangelical Christendom is supplied to friends in the most distant parts of the earth, occasionally a single copy may fail to reach its destination, it is desirable to repeat the announcement of subjects.

The following is the programme :

TOPICS SUGGESTED FOR THE WEEK OF UNIVERSAL PRAYER, JAN. 6—13, 1895. SUNDAY, January 6.—Sermons.-"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."—Isa. xl. 31.

MONDAY, January 7.-Thanksgiving and Humiliation.—Praise and Thanksgiving: For the goodness and mercy which have followed us through the past year, for many answers to prayer, and for the continued spread of the Gospel.Ps. cxxvi. 2, 3; Josh. xxiii. 14; 1 Sam. vii. 12. Humiliation and Confession of grievous sins, of lukewarmness, of unprofitableness in the service of Christ, and of conformity to the world.-Ezekiel xxxvi. 31; Daniel ix. 3-19. Prayer for a deeper realisation of the power of the Holy Spirit in the Church by Christ dwelling and abiding in us; for greater faithfulness and for consecration to a holier life.Luke xi. 13; 1 Thes. v. 15-24.

TUESDAY, January 8.-The Church Universal.-Prayer: For the whole Church of Christ; for the manifestation of the Spirit, in order to separation from the world, and sanctification unto the Lord; for greater unity among the followers of Christ; that the growth of Romanism and superstition, of Rationalism and infidelity, may be arrested, and that the hope of the Lord's second coming may stimulate believers both to wait and work for Him.-Eph. iv. 1-16; 1 Cor. ii. 4; Phil. i. 27; 2 Thes. ii. 8; Matt. xxiv. 1—14.

WEDNESDAY, January 9.-Nations and their Rulers.-Prayer: For national righteousness and peace, that the tendency to lawlessness, national discontent and strife may cease; for the putting away of legislative sanction to vice and all immoral traffic; for rulers, legislators, judges, and all in authority; that religious liberty may universally prevail, and that all persecution may be stayed.-Deut. iv. 5-8; 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2; Prov. xiv. 34; Ezra vi. 22; Ezra vii. 27, 28.

THURSDAY, January 10.-Foreign Missions.-Praise to God: For increasing interest in the spread of the Gospel, for offers of personal service, for open doors throughout the world; and for the manifested power of the Holy Ghost in various Missions. Acts iv. 29-33; Acts xi. 20-23; Rev. iii. 7, 8. Prayer: That all missionaries and Christian workers may be endued with power from on high; that the privilege and duty of evangelising the world may be fully understood, and that many more labourers may be sent forth into the harvest.-Luke xxiv. 45-49; Matt. ix. 35-38.

FRIDAY, January 11.-Home Missions and the Jews.-Praise: For enlarged interest shown in Home Mission work, and in Missions to the Jews, and for special blessing attending them.-Ps. lxvii.; Isa. lii. 7, 8. Prayer: For all Christian ministers and Evangelists, for all efforts to reach special classes of the people and all who live without God; and for the better observance of the Lord's-day.Col. iv. 2-4; Isa. lviii. 13, 14. Prayer for the Jewish Race: That special blessing may rest upon all those who are seeking to make Christ known among God's