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THE GREAT COMMISSION. LL who truly care for the winning of souls for God, and realise how even in this England of ours there remaineth much land to be possessed, must thankfully read such a record as "The Great Commission," a brief review of seventeen years' evangelistic work, under the direction of Mr. Russell Hurditch. Like almost all true work for God, it began with small things; earnest men went forth to preach the Gospel in our parks, and streets, and open spaces, then came services in hired theatres and public halls, and the holding of special missions in places of worship, at the invitation of such men as Samuel Martin of Westminster Chapel, with very blessed results. In 1866, this Evangelistic Mission opened a meeting place of its own. It was only a tent, near the main road at Kilburn; here, every summer night of 1867, God's Word was proclaimed with His manifested blessing; one of D. L. Moody's first addresses in England was given there during that season.

The outcome of that summer evening work at Kilburn was the erection of Kilburn Hall-since 1868 the headquarters of the Mission, now one of five similar meetingplaces built or bought for this work; and in all these, as in the Gospel tents, men of every Christian denomination and every rank have witnessed for God. While around these centres-Kilburn, Malden, Mornington, Forest Gate, and Dalston Halls-have gathered Bible-classes, children's services, Sunday-schools, mothers' meetings. The continuous hiring of public halls, concert-rooms, etc., has spread these Gospel services to well-nigh every quarter of London. So far as funds permit, temporal help is given, chiefly in the form of free meals, in inclement weather, to the unemployed. Short Gospel addresses and hearty sacred songs have on such occasions proved the means of life to many a dead soul.

A happy thought in connection with this work was the pony Bible-carriage, in charge of which two earnesthearted young men have gone throughout the country selling thousands of Scripture portions, giving tracts, and preaching from their box-seat. Concerning such tours striking incidents are told: How a publican, asking 1s. 6d. for permitting the itinerants to make a stand before his house, came out during the preaching to ask for a Bible instead of the money; and how Christian soldiers at Windsor welcomed the Bible-carriage, and cheered its conductors on the way.

It is asked, "Do the converts stand?" Yes, thank God. Grief and disappointment have come, but very few cases of failure in comparison with those who, by their steadfastness, give joy. Fifteen or sixteen years have tested. many such. Among the most earnest workers, are some brought to God by the park preaching of seventeen years ago. Wonderfully God has provided for this effort in His Name. Thank-offerings, surprising in amount, are given by converts. One poor laundress has sent £2 again and again. Working men out of small wages have sent £1, £2, even £5. The Christian workers, mostly in very limited circumstances, give touching proof of self-denial in this matter also. From two English iron-clads, in China and the Mediterranean, money has come "from a few Christian sailors, praying for the blessed work." A blessed and sorely needed work indeed! "Without such missions as this," said Lord Shaftesbury, on July 17th, 1882, “400,000 souls in London would hardly ever hear the Word of God."

PROTESTANT BLIND PENSION SOCIETY.

With that quality of mercy which is not strained by exorbitant administrative expenses, the Blind Pension Society, founded twenty years ago by the late Mr. Thomas Pocock, is doing a great and benevolent work amongst the blind poor of the United Kingdom. Its system of dis

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tributing relief in the form of monthly pensions to these afflicted poor at their own homes is so much appreciated that it has not been found possible to keep pace with the applications made to the Society by persons in every respect qualified to share in the bounty which it is the object of the Society to dispense. It is only by ceaseless energy and what by some may be considered importunate appeals to the benevolent public, that the liabilities to its 382 pensioners can be regularly satisfied. Being quite unendowed, and possessed of barely sufficient invested funds to cover one year's disbursements, it can be well understood that the management has no easy task to collect, in voluntary donations and subscriptions, the £220 wanted for the pensions ranging from 10s. to 25s. each month. At the present time there are nearly 200 approved candidates seeking to be placed on the funds, and the committee, while most anxious to assist these distressed people, can do nothing to forward their urgent claims until the revenue of the Society is sufficiently augmented. Many of these blind persons are in the most needy circumstances. A large portion of them having become blind late in life, have not the vigour of youth to sustain them, nor the advantage of a blind education to assist them to earn their livelihood; whilst others, fortunate in the shelter afforded them, are nevertheless conscious of the cruel burden they impose upon the scanty and insufficient resources of poor relatives. The work involved in collecting and distributing the Society's funds is considerable. A secretary-at a nominal salaryis the only paid officer. There are two Honorary Secretaries, Treasurer, and a Committee, all of whom regard the administration of the Society as purely a "labour of love." The office (not rented) is at 235, Southwark Bridge Road; Messrs. Thos. Pocock and A. S. Dodson are the Hon. Secs.; Mr. W. E. Terry is the Secretary. The Society is quite unsectarian, and the receipt of parish relief is no disqualification to candidates.

THE SAMARITAN FREE HOSPITAL.

We have received a communication from the Secretary of this Institution, established on behalf of women and children in Lower Seymour Street, Portman Square. From his letter we are glad to learn, and our readers will share with us the satisfaction we feel, that the work and worth of the Hospital are progressing daily "more satisfactorily." The result of this high public appreciation is that a constantly increasing demand is made upon the resources of the establishment, and admittance is sought more urgently. Of course this popularity adds to the difficulty of maintaining the Hospital, and the very means which are so successfully employed to do good are those which tend to weaken the Hospital, for more work means larger expense. Yet the directors do not like to reduce the number of beds, nor to incur liabilities which they cannot surely meet. The case thus becomes one of public interest, as it were, and so by making known the financial condition of the Institution, means will perhaps be found to obviate a serious difficulty, and relieve the Committee from the horns of a very awkward dilemma.

"NO BOOKS!"

At the present time the title of the pamphlet issued by the Church of England Book Society may to some appear unfounded. Surely, some people will say, never was literature more abundant nor so cheap; and yet we have undoubted authority for the statement that cheap production means in many cases injurious literary matter. The Committee of the Book Society, however, go farther than this. They willingly acknowledge that hundreds of books are pure, but the teaching is not altogether commendable, and the works they find some difficulty in obtaining, are those which are able to interest and instruct, to strengthen and edify the intellect, as well as satisfy the

heart-life and the conscience of the reader. Hence the cry at the head of this paragraph, "No Books," which means, comparatively speaking, that a difficulty exists in procuring suitable literature. Everybody reads in these days, and it becomes a duty to provide matter which shall not unduly excite the imagination, or inculcate wrong-doing, which will not glorify the highwayman, nor elevate the burglar into a hero. It is no easy matter to select a book for a present which shall contain the necessary mixture of interest, enjoyment, and information, and that will please the young mind, while educating it. How can we insure the desired end being attained?

A BOON TO MANY.

The possession of a family library will do much to insure the quality of the books we introduce to the house. Such a selection of useful and interesting works of reference and fiction will do more to educate the taste of the younger members of the Household than may at first be imagined. There are hundreds of standard works which any one may read, and many monthly publications which may with advantage be perused. But to doubters the list published by the Church of England Book Society will be a guide, and as it embraces both secular and religious works, amounting to more than four thousand, selected from the catalogues of various publishers, the formation of a Family Library will not be the difficult matter it may at first sight appear. Free grants of books have been frequently made, and these, including a small sum for halfprice grants, amount to the total of £1,516 14s. 2d. Yet many parishes are desiring supplies of books, and they cannot be accorded at present. New books are requiredby new books we mean those unread by the members of the school and parish libraries. The Society seem unable to supply the ever increasing want without funds. But have the Committee tried the exchange system? If the various book clubs, which have been furnished by the Society, would communicate their wants to each other, or forward a list of works in their possession to their corresponding clubs, we venture to think that many useful exchanges might be made, by which all parties would be benefited. Poor clergymen are at present supplied with necessary works, and this is a view of the Lending Library question which should not be lost sight of; for in these free grants to clergymen the power of the teacher for good is much increased. Particulars concerning grants in return for subscriptions can be obtained from the Secretary of the Church of England Book Society, 11, Adam Street, Adelphi, London; and the Committee appear to us to be doing a much appreciated work, and supplying a want which is keenly felt by those beyond the influence of the Society.

JUST TWO PENCE.

With two pennies clasped tightly in her little palm, a child entered a bookseller's shop, and asked for a volume which contained a sentence she had cherished. The words the girl had treasured up were, "Suffer little children to come unto Me," and now she had brought all her money to buy the book which contained the promise. The bookseller said, "Suppose I have not such a book? Will you be very sorry?" The child replied that she was in a great hurry, as she felt ill, and her teacher told her she had "better be dead than alive." She had heard of a Good Shepherd, Who takes care of children, and she wanted the Book to learn about Him, so that He might know her when she died. The good shopman at once fetched a Bible, and read her the comforting words. When he had finished, the child exclaimed, "He says, 'Come;' I'll go to Him. Shall I see Him soon, sir?" "Yes, before long," replied the man sadly; "but keep your money and come here every day, and I will read you more of the Book." The child thanked him, and came once or twice. But one day arrived and she did not come, and after some weeks had passed a woman came hastily in, and said, "Daisy's dead. She died talking about a Good Shepherd, and told me to bring her money to you for the mission box." The bookseller took the money, and told all his friends the tale.

The result was, other sums came in, and Daisy's two pence increased until the money sent out a missionary to the heathen, within a few months of the child's decease.

"A REST FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD."

This is no figure of speech. We all know instances in which cessation from work is absolutely necessary, if the usefulness of the worker is to be continued, and although the quotation more particularly refers to a rest hereafter in a future state, we may in a passing sense apply it to the Rest for Clergymen at Eastbourne. This truly blessed "Rest "was founded by a lady, and during one sojourn at Eastbourne, and subsequently, we obtained some particulars concerning it. As we have frequent inquiries respecting such places, we will at once state that particulars can be obtained direct from Miss Mason, 7, Cambridge Gardens, Kilburn, N. W. The Eastbourne establishment, or Rest for Christian workers of all denominations, can accommodate nearly fifty people, and it is scarcely necessary to say, that the house is well fitted up, in a most comfortable manner; the scale of payment is strictly regulated according to the means of the inmates, while Miss Mason's kind assistants in the work give their time and services. There is nothing to be desired in the management and dietary of the Home, to which the weary and jaded clergyman, who has toiled for many a day and night, can proceed, accompanied by his family, and in congenial Christian society may rest and be truly thankful. We understand that there is a similar establishment at Kilburn under Miss Mason's fostering care, which has met with much encouragement and success. One feature in connection with both these excellent establishments is noteworthy. No appeals are made for funds, although, of course, assistance is frequently given and thankfully received. But hitherto all these offerings have been spontaneously made, and, no doubt, the benefits which have been enjoyed by the inmates at various times, and the true Christian esteem they have received at the Homes have induced them and influenced their friends to send a thank-offering, which may be instrumental in conferring upon others the advantages already reaped by the late occupants of the Rests. The spirit of Christian love indeed pervades the Home, and the pleasant family life led within its walls tends to keep the occupants happy in the peaceful enjoyment of the rest they have so well earned. Any visitor to Eastbourne may visit the Rest there, and even join in the Sunday afternoon readings, which are always well attended.

"FROM INDIA'S CORAL STRAND."

We have in these columns more than once directed attention to the condition of the women of India, and the report of a meeting held a week or two ago gives us the opportunity of referring once more to the subject, which, as much as any missionary work, should enlist the sympathy of English men and women. It is to female missionaries that the Indian women appeal, for under no circumstances can a man penetrate into the private apartments of the native household; even the male doctor is forbidden in numerous cases, and is never admitted until all other means have been tried and failed. The results attending the noble efforts of our countrywomen are happy and increasing. We have by us testimony to the effects already produced, and a very interesting case is related of a young girl who heard gladly, and being free she made the most of her opportunities. She then married, and still her influence was not diminished; she read and learned, and taught diligently her household and relatives. She instituted family prayer morning and evening, and read the Bible, praying also herself to the edification of her husband and her parents-in-law. There were fears that she would relapse after a time, for the home influence was at first against her, but she has continually persevered, and is still, according to latest accounts, continuing her work for good around her. We are in hopes that many such cases will find their record in the English press, as they serve as encouragement to the devoted ones who leave all and go forth to preach the Gospel of Christ.

OUT OF NIGHT INTO DAY.

The Stepney Homes, under the direction and superintendence of Dr. Barnardo, continue to do a good work; and judging from the papers before us, which have been collected at various times, we imagine that those who support the institutions have no cause to repent the time or money they have expended in the work. The Shoeblack Brigade, with which we are all more or less familiar, originated with the Stepney Home, and this in addition to the Messenger Brigade, and the Woodchopping Brigade, earn a very handsome some of money annually. The girls are provided for at Ilford in cheerful happy families of twenty, under an experienced matron, and no one can look upon the pleasant faces without contrasting their present condition with what might have been had not benevolence stepped in and rescued them. "Father, I give my life to Thee," exclaimed a rescued waif who had been received into the Home at Ilford from degrading surroundings. Her best hope at that time of rescue was the workhouse, and yet, as chance of doing good, she and her poor mother were received at the Home and saved for eternity. No one can read unmoved the records of efforts made, and what we believe to be successful efforts, to bring up in a useful Godly life the poor waifs and strays of our seething London population. We could quote many touching instances of children brought up in the lowest strata of society who have turned out well, and are leading happy Christian lives. Take the case of little Clara, the step-child of the abandoned thief at Chatham. She was turned out at four in the morning to gather and sell water-cresses, and even while waiting for customers fell asleep, so that the policeman looked after her basket and money as purchasers came. Then after a hard day's work, she returned to receive blows and cruel treatment, to herd with thieves and worse society, till fortunately-we say fortunatelyshe was turned out of doors, and admitted to the Home at Ilford in which she shines. This is only one in a hundred instances of girls and boys who are being trained for useful and pious lives in this country, and in distant lands where they will be sent when educated and reclaimed. They are indeed passing from Night unto Day.

A PLEA FOR SERVANTS' READING.

We have received a communication from Lady John Manners, suggesting that newspapers and books should be supplied to domestic servants and labourers. "The annual volumes of Cassell's Magazine," says our correspondent, “of THE QUIVER, and of many other religious and excellent periodicals, may be purchased at moderate cost." Many of our leading firms make liberal grants of books to institutions, and the reports of several societies show that, in our own and other cases, volumes are sent willingly. If a fund were started to supply domestic servants with books, we are sure the leading publishers would assist in such a good work. There are many cheap and excellent annual volumes which may be procured at little cost by the agents of such a movement as this, and if Lady John Manners initiates such a society, we venture to think it will not lack support. Many heads of families would willingly contribute spare volumes, and numbers of periodicals now destined to the "waste-basket," might find eager readers in the servants' offices. Such "thoughtful kindness" Lady John Manners assures us would benefit the servants and helpers at home.

LEISURE HOURS FOR WORKING GIRLS.

Our readers are doubtless already aware of the good effects of Mrs. Fisher's work in the city amongst the young women who are employed there. Readers go amongst the warehouses, and during the period set aside for meals meetings are held. These are attended by numbers of girls who voluntarily sacrifice a portion of their leisure to listen to the Gospel story. Many thoughtless and frivolous girls are thus brought within the influence of the Bible; and the benefits conferred do not end here. The girls carry away the truths they have heard to their homes,

and thus, instead of passing their evenings in music halls and such places of entertainment, they remain with their friends and relations. The "welcomes" are open for those who choose to attend them, and by going there the girls are kept from temptation. These efforts are supplemented by the institutes set on foot by the Young Women's Christian Association in various parts of the metropolis. The Rochester Institute in the Walworth Road is one of the latest of these developments, and it is presided over by Miss Raymond and her able staff of deaconesses from Brixton. There are thousands of girls in the neighbourhood through which the Chatham and Dover Railway runs. Amid the numerous shops and warehouses of this district the deaconesses connected with the Institute pursue their charitable work, and invite the work women and girls to spend their evenings in the comfortable rooms-well furnished and supplied with papers and periodicals of a suitable kind. We are aware from actual observation how well the work is carried on, and all readers will agree with us that such efforts as these, controlled as they are by such an experienced directress as Miss Raymond, deserve warm and energetic support from all Christian people.

"NO MORE SPIRIT RATIONS."

The Seaman's Friend Society, established in Glasgow, has a large field for its operations. The immense quantity of shipping which annually puts into that port employs more than 50,000 sailors, and to this enormous number must be added the thousands engaged in the local trade and traffic. When we consider the very precarious existence of the sailor. the dangers ashore and afloat to which he is exposed, we should do all in our power to deliver him from the temptation ashore, and to prepare him to face the dangers at sea. This is, as we are aware, done by many willing hands. The Thames Church-Mission, for instance, in the North Sea, and all down the river, in and beyond the London district; Miss Weston's Homes and influences at Portsmouth, the Mission ships on the French coasts, which we have already noticed; all these make grand efforts to reclaim the sailor, and not in vain are they made. The first foe to quell is drunkenness. The Thames Mission "Smack" is a temperance ship, and even in the bitter winds of the North Sea, we will find no wine or strong drink in her. So now, as we learn from extracts before us, the great transatlantic shipowners have decided not to permit any spirit rations to be served to the men while afloat. This great enemy-drink-overcome, the agents of the Glasgow Seaman's Friend Society hope to win many adherents and willing listeners. There are meetings organised-and the audience is by no means limited to sailors- at which the results have been most gratifying, and many hundreds of seafaring men have thankfully accepted the Bible as their compass, and carried it with them on board ship. Thus the leaven so well distributed will, by degrees, it is hoped, leaven all the service, and improve it in every respect. The results, according to the report, are most encouraging, and the interest taken by the sailors themselves in the work, as testified to by their subscriptions, is an assurance that it is doing good, and finding favour in their eyes, as well as in those of their employers.

THE WORKING BOYS OF LONDON.

We have received a special appeal from the Committee of the "Homes" for Working Boys in London. Of these Homes there are seven in working order, and they are intended for lads who have no place of residence, who are able to work and earn money, and between thirteen and seventeen years of age. It will be at once seen what an immense number of boys have to be dealt with. Some have absolutely nowhere to lay their heads-who can never remember having had a home to go to. Others, again-a large class-have come up to London in the expectation of finding fame and fortune in the streets-a belief still cherished in many rural districts. All these have to be supplemented by the number of lads in actual employment in London, for whom no shelter is provided.

In the Homes under notice, each boy pays for his food, clothing, and washing; and those who are earning more money are obliged to contribute so much a week for their lodging. Thus we have the lads early trained to appreciate the blessings of honest labour, and the value of money. They are brought up in habits of thrift, and it is not the fault of their surroundings if they do not develope into useful members of society. The Committee, amongst whom are included many well-known workers for good, are endeavouring to help those who are willing to help themselves. They are giving the lads every possible chance of working; and healthful recreation, with Christian teaching, are provided at a time when body and mind are most likely to be benefited. The rescue of these

lads from pauperism and a burthen upon the rates is, putting aside (for the moment) all higher feeling--a reason why they should be assisted to rise, and so the selfish and short-sighted may rest assured that these Homes, if well supported, will continually reduce the expenses for the poor. But it is to a far higher level we would raise our readers' eyes-to the rescue from sin, the opening of a happy life here and hereafter for, the waifs and strays-we would direct their attention, and leave the question to them as Christian brethren and citizens.

A HOME IN SICKNESS.

Some months ago, we brought before our readers some facts relating to the Bolingbroke House Pay Hospital, on Wandsworth Common. The report for the second year has been forwarded to us by the Secretary, and it may not be generally known that persons of the artisan and lower classes can obtain all the advantages of good hospital treatment and nursing by paying such sums as their means will permit. They have thus no more expense at the Hospital than they would have at home, and the advantages they obtain are of course far in advance of any they can command in their own houses. The institution is based on this self-supporting principle, and it is very gratifying to learn that the number of patients has already doubled-so the real advantages are appreciated. We hear just now of the failure of hospital incomes in London. We believe many persons do not object to pay for attendance in general hospitals, and if the sum was estimated according to the means--not the necessities of the patients who could pay, no complaints of loss of income would be heard. The Bolingbroke

Hospital is managed by a Committee, including the Rev. Canon Erskine Clarke, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., and other well-known gentlemen, with a most able consulting staff of medical officers, resident surgeons, nurses, etc. We may instance some cases in which the Hospital is more particularly valuable.

THE WORK AT BOLINGBROKE HOUSE.

There is a certain prescribed form for admission to this pay hospital, wherein wards are provided for both sexes and children, and every effort is made to give a home-like effect to the surroundings, and we believe successfully. Those who are conversant with the limited accommodation of artisans' homes will appreciate the roomy wards, and the general air of comfort pervading this hospital, while nothing that can render the patients really comfortable is omitted. The hospital is doing an excellent work, unique in itself, and while every variety of cases (except insane ones) is received, nothing is left undone to promote the independence of the patients, who feel they are not imposing upon the public purse. During the past year sixtyfive patients have entered the hospital, representing all sorts and conditions of men. They have, of course, caused an increase in the expenditure, and Canon Clarke's responsibility has been materially increased. Still it is hoped that when the benefits conferred by the institution are realised, people will come forward and help those who have so manfully helped themselves. Mr. J. S. Wood, the untiring secretary, will receive subscriptions, and afford all needed information. His address is Woodville, Upper Tooting, S.W.

SEVENTY-THREE THOUSAND FREE MEALS.

A new Convalescent Home is being prepared at Sandgate by the London Samaritan Society. The house at Dover has become too small, and the directors and committee are setting to work with characteristic energy to make arrangements for more poor and suffering convalescents. By this time we hope the purchase has been completed and the Institution in working order. A large sum was needed, but no doubt it has been already subscribed. In any case, we would for a few moments draw the public attention to the benefits which the Society confers upon the destitute poor. Freely does it give, and the term is literal in a great majority of cases. A small weekly sum is payable by those who can afford it, but cases are admitted entirely free, and it assists the poor to help themselves. There are certain privileges to subscribers. But this Institution does not by any means represent the extended exertions of the Society and its missionary work. The Homerton Mission gives free meals, and clothing, and lodging to the deserving poor. The account of the work done fills many pages which we cannot quote, but some notion of the magnitude of the undertaking may be gleaned from the fact that 73,000 free meals were given to the destitute during the past winter. Children are provided for, young men are taken out to Canada and established in situations there; and above all, the influence of religous teaching is maintained, for the Gospel work is never ceasing; Bible classes, Sunday schools, Temperance meetings are all carried on day by day, and many souls are awakened to the importance of those things which tend to their eternal welfare.

CHINESE GIRLS.

Some intelligence has been placed in our hands bearing upon the condition of the Girls' School at Singapore, and a modest demand for suitable papers and periodicals is ap. pended to a special appeal for any assistance that can be rendered otherwise. Miss Cooke, who is at present Superintendent of this Chinese school, has had difficulties to contend against. The girls are trained in Christian doctrine and work, and when sufficiently advanced, are sent to China to work amongst the people, and the various institutions, etc. This training locally seems to us a good plan; the native material is drawn upon and improved until the members become not only servants, but useful servants of God, teaching others, and leading their countrymen and women-by whom they are well understood-into the right path. In connection with the school is a Young Women's Christian Association, which is attended both by the scholars and married women living outside the school itself. It would advance the objects which the supporters have in view, if the visitors would go and see for themselves how the school is managed and conducted. Many English families have relatives and friends in Singapore, and some little attention paid by English residents would greatly encourage the managers and teachers. If such means can be adopted, we are sure the help now or lately needed, will be speedily supplied; not only the literary matter so much desired, but in the more important, because more pressing, want of more material assistance for the destitute children.

"ENLARGING THE SPHERE OF GOOD."

We have before us details of the work done in connection with the Home of Industry in Commercial Street, Spitalfields, which has been referred to in these columns in past issues of THE QUIVER. The directress of this establishment is Miss Annie Macpherson, while many ladies, residents and non-residents, assist as far as time and their leisure will permit. The useful and beneficial work carried on here is similar in some branches to the sheltering Home in Liverpool, and the Industrial Home of London also sends its rescued inmates to happy places in our great colony of Canada, where, at Galt, Ontario, a receiving establishment is in full working order. Of course the permission of the guardian or parents of the children sent out is required, but when the lad has been made over to the Home, he is well cared for in the future, and sent out to

farm. The success of this scheme is vouched for by the Dominion Government, who have in their official report stated that ninety-eight out of every hundred children are doing well. The various good works of the Home of Industry are not confined to the young children only. Mothers' Meetings are held every week, and these are of great assistance to many young mothers who cannot leave home in the evening. There are Bible-classes and Adult Sunday-schools, where men and women learn to read and value the Scriptures; and thus the influence is ever enlarging the sphere of good around the Home. Nothing, it is truly said, can be accomplished without labour, and the work of Miss Macpherson's Home is no exception. But the labourer is worthy of his hire, and we recommend those who are interested in this Rescue and Mission Work to inspect the report, and the ways and means by which the work is so successfully accomplished. The Home is at 60, Commercial Street, London, E., where new or old clothing, materials or food, will be thankfully received.

"FIGHTING THE DRINK."

We have lately been perusing a pamphlet written by the Secretary of the Church of England Temperance Society, which devotes itself to the consideration of the best means of rescue for those unhappy ones who will persistently endeavour to destroy their humanity in drinking. As so many people are now interested in the cause of temperance, we may refer to some of the means whereby much good may be done in rescuing these deluded men and women. The first weapon by which we may conquer is sympathy-loving sympathy. We must have our hearts in our work, and whatever we do we should do it with all our might. And personal contact of good people-the example now so freely set by ladies and gentlemen in wearing the badge of temperance, for instance-will exert powerful influence. Mr. J. B. Gough was thus rescued by a friend, who came and touched him on the shoulder, saying, "I claim you this day for God and for sobriety." We all know the grand result of this strong personal and sympathetic appeal. If any of the readers of these pages will-and we believe many do-exert themselves in this good cause, the rescue of their fellow-creatures by any Christian means from sin and shame, let them remember how strong a hold sympathy has upon all. A friend in need is a friend indeed, and whether the effort be directed to reclaim the drunkard or the infidel, the means should include personal sympathy and influence. The Church of England Temperance Society is doing a Home Mission work in our midst, and their missionaries are daily endeavouring to "fight the drink," which has such an enormous army of adherents. Of course, the means are quite unequal to the demand, and much remains to be done. The tremendous difference in the homes and habits of those whose hearts have been touched by the endeavours of the Society, is at once perceptible, and this is a Gospel work which every one can undertake, by precept or example. We might adduce instances in which conversion was made by servants and employers-how many a soul was touched by human sympathy, and turned to con. sider the great Love which is waiting for all who seek it in faith, earnestly.

A HEARTY WELCOME HOME.

In the Eastern end of London there is an amount of vice and degradation which has rendered the people so callous that they seem possessed of "evil spirits." This is the testimony of one who is doing work, and doing it successfully, amongst the poor benighted London heathen, as we may well call them. But there is a star in the East. In all this darkness and trouble a veritable Home is established in Ratcliffe, where sailors and others may enjoy a quiet pleasant evening, free from the allurements of sin and Satan. There is a meeting held every night in one of the rooms of the Welcome Home from nine tili half-past eleven. It is to the newly-arrived sailor with money to spend in unlawful pleasures that the Welcome appeals. A case was lately reported in which a sailor inquired of a

city missionary the way to a certain public-house. The preacher declined to give the information, but spoke to him quietly, and indicated where the Gospel might be found. The man, much surprised, consented to go and see for himself. He went, and came back rejoicing. He gave up all idea of visiting the low places he had at first intended to visit, and reformed. He went, did as he was bidden, morally blind though he was, and "came seeing."

A WANDERER RESTORED.

There have been very many experiences in connection with the Ratcliffe Home, which show us the power of the Spirit to turn the hearts even of the most disobedient. We may instance another case in which a sailor who had given up all hope-a wanderer from friends and home for many years, had come, as some might say, accidentally and by chance, to the "Welcome" Home we have mentioned. The words of the preacher who was telling the "glad story of old" to his audience, came home to the wanderer's heart, and he related to the missionary his experiences, and his fall from the child of godly parents to the man of intemperance and sin. But this confession not only restored him to the arms of his mother, who he thought was dead, but was the means of bringing him back again to the fold from which he had so long strayed. The mother arrived and welcomed her long-lost son. Thus-and many other instances might be quoted-is the work done. There is room for many hands, and those who wish to help will find plenty to do amongst people of all nations and languages.

LIFE-BOAT HEROES.

Who is there who can read unmoved the heroic incidents attending a recent gallant attempt to save life on the part of the crew of the Swansea life-boat? and with the story fresh in their minds, who can help wishing to take at least some little part in such noble work? On the stormy morning of the twenty-seventh of January, a German barque drifting helplessly up the Bristol Channel struck on some rocks opposite the Mumbles Head, and without loss of time the Swansea life-boat, with a crew of thirteen men, set off to the rescue. No less than five of the men were volunteers, while a father and four of his sons formed part of the regular crew. After a terrible struggle amid the raging billows the life-boat approached the wreck, but only two of the German sailors had been hauled on board, when a sea of unusual power struck the boat, parted her cable, and threw all her occupants into the water. When she righted, the coxswain, Jenkin Jenkins, managed to crawl into her, and to drag in one of his four sons and another man. But time after time the boat was dashed against the wreck, and once more she was capsized, so that those in her were almost crushed to death. Clinging to the life-line, the coxswain managed to hold on while the life-boat drifted towards the rocks, and then exerting his little remaining strength to the utmost, he struck out for and reached the shore. There the old man lay exhausted, but watching the efforts of one of his sons who had also clung to the boat. Several times the young man was drifted towards the shore, only to be carried out of reach by the recoil of the waves, until at last his father managed to creep down to the water, and catch him by the collar. But, alas! the limbs were rigid, and the face was stone cold. What a world of pathos was there in his cry : "My boy! my boy! it is too late! My Johnny's dead!"

TWO BRAVE WOMEN.

Two other incidents must be recorded. Two of the life-boat's men were struggling in the surf, too weak to reach the land, when they were espied by the two daughters of the lighthouse-keeper; and the women, notwithstanding the entreaties of their father, waded together into the raging sea to help the men. "I'll lose my life before I'll let those men drown," was brave Maggie Ace's answer to her father. But, by the mercy of God, neither she nor her sister lost her life; for, making a rope of their shawls, knotted together, they managed to throw the end