THE NEED FOR SPECIAL SERVICES

We think this anecdote of an actual occurrence will go far to illustrate the position taken up by Lord Shaftesbury and his committee. The poorest are by them made most welcome, and by sowing the seed, and trying to turn them to a good and holy life, making them respectable members of society, these special religious services will perform a most excellent work. The population of the metropolis is increasing at the rate of nearly 100,000 people a year, and some means must be employed to rescue the unbelieving. There are in London one million of immortal souls, for whose welfare no provision is made by any church, chapel, or any religious community whatever! This is appalling news to many, and numerous places of week-day entertainment have been utilised on Sundays for addressing large congregations. Amongst these are the Sadler's Wells and Pavilion Theatres, and various town halls in the outskirts of London. About three thousand a year is required to meet the expenses. This is not a large sum of money, and contributions may be sent to the secretary, Charles Sawell, Esq., 3, Bridewell Place, New Bridge Street, E.C., to whom also Post Office Orders may be made payable at the General Post Office.

THE CHILDREN'S FRIEND SOCIETY.

This is an enterprise which appeals to every parent and to every Christian heart. The Children's Friend Society has been established to receive the friendless and destitute boys, and more than that, to be of practical use in providing them with employment, and so preventing them from becoming future objects of charity or criminals. But even then the objects of the Society are not achieved. We often read of foolish lads running away from home to seek their fortunes, and being reduced to great straits. To rescue and return these misguided youths to their parents, is another object of the Society, and the rescue of criminals also enters into their daily care. Such aims as these are quite sufficient in themselves to recommend this excellent charity, as we may term it, to the notice of our readers; and as the boys themselves provide, by their labour, more than half the sum required for their maintenance, etc., we are all the more inclined to help those who so earnestly desire to help themselves. During the past year-covered by the report last sent to us -the numbers of lads admitted amounted to 237. A large proportion of these were returned to their friends, a considerable number were sent to sea and into situations. During the year 320 were temporarily provided with food and lodging, and many sent home again, being gladly received by parents sorrowing for them as lost.

The young tramp is reclaimed, the waif and stray is assisted, the runaway is retained and restored. The adventurous lad is placed on board ship to earn an honest livelihood, instead of imitating the robbers of romance. The Society is doing incalculable good, and we hope it will meet with support, and find assistance liberally bestowed in money, clothing, or supplies of any useful kind. The address of the Children's Friend Society is 9, Great George Square, Liverpool.

THE TESTIMONY OF A TRACT.

A correspondent supplies us with the following amongst other facts, which happened in India, and show us the benefits that resulted from a tract. The man who was so mercifully saved, was a very idle and dissolute character, and at length, tired of his misspent life, he determined upon the cowardly and impious act of suicide, not fearing to rush into the presence of the God he had so grievously offended. He had endeavoured by ill-doing to acquire happiness, wealth, and position; but all these had turned to ashes in his mouth-he had only reached the depths of misery and despair. There was no hope for him, he thought, and the rope was already suspended from the beam, when he was interrupted. When his visitor had gone, the would-be suicide's eye was attracted, unaccountably attracted, by a piece of paper lying on the floor-soiled and stained. was a tract, calling attention to the cleansing powers of

It

the "Blood of Christ." Something moved the man to take it up and read it. He read, and was saved!

AN ENGLISH HOME FOR FOREIGN GOVERNESSES. Our attention has been directed to the Home for Foreign Governesses at Brighton, where, during the long vacations, young ladies who are not perfectly acquainted with, and in some cases entirely ignorant of the English language, can reside when unemployed. The cost of living at this institution, which has been initiated by M. Gouin, the pastor of the French Reformed Church, has now been carried on for some years; but, owing to an extension of its operations, some debt has been incurred. In consequence of this, the pastor has made an appeal to the friends of the work to assist him, and we are glad to be able to add to the publicity of his request and to further his views. There are certain annual expenses which must be met, and the teaching and preaching in the church, the services of which he conducts, have already proved a blessing to many. Any information will doubtless be gladly furnished by Mr. Gouin, the pastor of the French Reformed Church, 15, St. George's Terrace, Brighton.

SAILORS' HOME IN NEW YORK.

This lately reconstructed building is said to be unsurpassed by any similar institution in the world. During the past twelve months (up to the date of the last report, ending March, 1882), the Sailors' Home has accommodated 1,958 boarders. Of course the inmates were possessed of a very considerable sum of money, and it is gratifying to note that more than £22,000 were deposited for safety in the hands of the trustee of the institution, and finally nearly half that large amount was transmitted to friends and relatives, instead of being squandered, as is too often the case when the sailors come on shore after a voyage. This home was first opened in 1842, and since that time nearly 1,100 men have been received into it, and by its means the amount of money saved and remitted to the relatives of the sailors during the thirty-nine years, has been more than one million and a half of dollars, or £300,000 sterling. The society, at its own expense, provides for shipwrecked mariners, and in addition to the temporal advantage so lavishly provided, there are daily meetings for prayer and temperance lectures and exhortations weekly or oftener. Thus nothing is left undone to insure the temporal and spiritual welfare of the inmates.

SWEDISH CHRISTIANS.

Having lately returned from Scandinavia, where we had some opportunities of observing the general and home life of the inhabitants, we welcome with more than usual interest a communication from the secretary of the Evangelical Alliance, addressed to a contemporary, respecting the religious awakening in Sweden, which came under that gentleman's notice in the spring. We were in Stockholm for some little time, and on Sunday were struck with the quiet and religious aspect of the place. The churches were well attended; and all places of business, and restaurants, etc., were entirely closed until the afternoon, and then the shops remained shut. There was nothing of what we are accustomed to look upon as the laxity of the "Continental Sunday," at Stockholm, at any rate; nor, so far as we saw, in Sweden or Denmark generally. The chapels were well attended, and the success attending (the untiring efforts of the clergymen and ministers has resulted in winning many souls to the true faith, and to a more religious observance of the duties of life. There is still room and opportunity; and we are sure, from our own experience, that the English pastor will find a warm and hearty welcome there. The Swedes like the English people; and we echo the hope expressed by Mr. Arnold, that, next year, when the General Christian Conference will take place at Stockholm, many of our ministers, of all denominations, will visit the country, and see what is doing under God's blessing in Scandinavia.

THE BIRMINGHAM NIGHT REFUGE.

The second annual report of this institution has been forwarded to us, with a communication from the secretary, which we are pleased to be able to endorse. The original idea of the benevolent founder of the night refuge was to merely provide the waifs and strays-the boys of the streets a night's board and lodging. But any one who has had experience with such work as this, will immediately perceive how impossible it is for benevolence to stop short at such a step as that. What is to become of the little "Arab" after he has enjoyed bed and board for one night? Is it fair or right to give him a glimpse of the good, and then turn him away? What good impression can be made upon a lad received for one evening, and dismissed not hungry, it is true, but homeless and hopeless, to steal perhaps for his next night's food and shelter? The sphere of the institution thus became necessarily enlarged, and now no destitute boy is refused admission. The routine of the home is very well carried out, and strict obedience is inculcated. There are reading-rooms and play-rooms. Instruction is given, and work is required from the boys, many of whom are in situations, and use the refuge as a home when their day's work is done. These contribute towards their maintenance; but with all this, and with the subscription, funds are required to purchase new underclothing and bed-linen. Towards this very necessary object one kind gentleman has offered £10, if four others will do the same. Surely this should not be difficult, and we hope the money will be speedily provided-as soon as these lines meet the eyes of our readers. Special dona. tions will be found very acceptable, and we trust that before next Christmas the report of the Refuge will show a marked improvement. It is doing a good and useful work in Birmingham, and ought to be supported by the town, and assisted by charitable people elsewhere.

A BRAVE BOY.

We cull the following interesting anecdote from a little paper devoted to Protestant Church work in Spain, Portugal, and Mexico:-" One evening, when Señor Cabrera recently preached in the Church of the Ascension, Seville, a captain of an artillery regiment, who has attended Divine Service ever since the Rev. L. S. Tugwell opened his house for public worship in the Calle Zaragosa, took his seat and remained until the close. Passing through the Plaza facing the church, we observed a group of boys come out of the Museo School of Drawing. "Protestant! Protestant!" they shouted at the top of their voices, meanwhile teasing one of their number in a most unfair and cowardly manner. Not knowing which way to run from his tormentors, who cruelly jeered and scoffed at him, the poor boy stood up calmly in their midst, and laying his hand upon his breast, exclaimed, "Yes! I am a Protestant, and esteem it an honour to be one!" "Ah!" said the captain, "if all who profess to be with us in faith would only be as noble as this brave boy, what a front we should present to the enemy! What a confession of Christ ours would be, and how differently our country would view us! God guard and bless that faithful lad!”

THE MARYLEBONE MEDICAL MISSION.

We are glad to learn that this excellent Mission is extending its sphere of usefulness so greatly. The union of medical assistance with spiritual attention has been warmly advocated in these columns, while the benefits conferred upon the patients, particularly female patients in India, attended by ladies who have studied medicine, cannot be over-estimated. The healing of body and soul is a noble work, and no Christian can doubt that the combination of human skill, and the humble reliance on its effects, with prayer for success, can fail to induce a blessing. To preach the Gospel and heal the sick, were two of the most important duties laid upon the Apostles, and they are not less important now. The head-quarters of the Marylebone Mission are at 13, Carlisle Street, Edgware Road, where during the year 1,661 cases have been admitted into the dispensary, and 3,574 visits been paid by the Medical

Superintendent at the people's houses. Thousands of Bibles and tracts have been distributed, and we learn that short religious services are held at the dispensary for those who attend for medicine. That this service is needed frequently, we can imagine and appreciate, when it is known that ninety per cent. of the poor patients who come for advice never attend a place of worship. In addition to spiritual and actual bodily assistance and care, the poor are supplied with bedding and clothing. So here is an institution appealing to all our sympathies, and a thoroughly practical Christian work is done by it.

BREAD UPON THE WATERS.

The Thames Church Mission is an undertaking which requires no apology from us for introducing it once again to the notice of our readers, whose sympathy with sailors Since has so often and practically been exhibited. 1844, this excellent mission has been striving, and successfully, against all the sins and shortcomings of human nature, so abundantly developed amongst a seafaring population. There was a time-if books are to be credited-when the sailor was proverbially reckless and careless of everything. Now, thanks to this Mission and kindred institutions, sailors are day by day taught, and brought within sound of the Gospel. The Sican, a cruising church, went down the river and carried the Gospel tidings from reach to reach and from ship to ship. This was a good work accomplished. Now the society has arranged the districts into ten divisions, as far up as Putney Bridge, and down to Greenhithe, Gravesend, and Thames Haven. Not only here, but amongst the North Sea fishing fleet, is the Word carried, and gladly received by the majority of hearers. Let us see what can be done by those at home to serve this most righteous and deserving cause.

A SUPPLY OF BOOKS.

"Tons of Books," writes Mr. Mather, the indefatig able secretary, "we need tons of books and magazines in order to keep pace with the constant demands." Now, here is a way in which people can assist the Thames Church Mission very materially, and yet without trouble to themselves, and that is with some people a consideration. A few books and magazines put into a parcel and sent to the secretary, 31, New Bridge Street, Blackfriars, E.C., will be of great assistance, and a source of much pleasure. We really believe that hundreds of people have never thought how much good they can do by just directing a little energy in a given direction once a month. A few hours, a few words, a little effort in collecting books, etc., will give the greatest enjoyment to the sailors who, as has been remarked, are "not always rushing about in a gale of wind!" They have their leisure moments, and are fond of reading, and when the vessel is becalmed, these books, papers, and magazines are all the men have to turn to, and reading occupies them profitably too. There is another way in which the youngest lady reader may help, and we trust many will. This is in knitting cuffs and comforters for the sailors, who are so exposed to frost and cold in wintry nights. Parcels of bags made to pattern and filled as we have indicated can be sent to the secretary. The carriage of all gifts should be paid in advance, and thus by a little self-denial-a very littlea great and good work may be accomplished.

THE OUTCOME OF THE MISSION.

But, after all, does it do much good?" we hear some one exclaim. We reply emphatically, a vast amount of good. If any one will glance over the reports, and read a few of the cases authenticated by the readers and district ministers, there need be no question asked concerning the results of the Society's efforts. We need only quote one or two instances, and leave our readers to assist the work as well as they can. On one occasion a Scripture-reader boarded a vessel, and found the men

gambling greedily. He took a tract from the bundle he carried, and throwing it upon the "trick" just won, took up all the cards, saying, "Mine takes yours!" The men all looked up in angry astonishment, and then the bold servant of God reasoned with them upon the folly and sinfulness of gambling, and showed them how frequently bad endings resulted from this indulgence, in stances of which the narrator had been himself an eyewitness. The men listened very attentively. At length one of them rose suddenly, and going up, threw all the cards over the ship's side, saying, "They shall never ruin me or any one else." The prayer was offered up, and the men all shook hands with the Scripture-reader, promising never to play cards for money again. We could multiply cases and extracts from the report, but we think we have instanced sufficient to prove-if proof were required that the Thames Church Mission is doing a marvellous work, and that all can assist in it by subscriptions or contributions of books and warm knitted cuffs and comforters. The work progresses, and will surely succeed, notwithstanding all drawbacks.

Now the sowing and the weeping,
Working hard and waiting long,
Afterward the golden reaping-

Harvest home and grateful song.

A CHILD'S FAITH.

In one of the busiest thoroughfares of the City, a little fair-haired boy was seen one day in the winter of 1878, threading his way through the crowd, gazing earnestly in the faces of the passers-by, and evidently turning over some scheme in his busy little brain. After some consideration, he approached a benevolent-looking old gentleman and asked him in a shrill childish voice to "Please write him a letter." Struck by this curious request, and by the boy's earnest manner, Mr. Grant questioned him, and discovered that the boy's mother, a sempstress, was out of work and very ill, in fact, dying of want. The little lad had come out to look for work, but had not succeeded in finding any. A sudden thought, pathetic in its simple trust, had emanated from his childish brain: he would write and ask Jesus to send them some food, bearing in mind, doubtless, the petition in the Lord's Prayer, which his mother had taught him to use daily. But how to proceed, seeing he could not write? He set himself to watch the faces of the passers-by, and with that curious instinct, or, if you will, that insight into the human character so often possessed by children, he carefully made choice of the very man likely to befriend him. Wishing to prove the truth of his story, Mr. Grant accompanied the boy home, leading him to tell, on the way, of his struggles. He learnt that the mother, after spending health and strength to gain a scanty livelihood, had become too weak to work, and had had no food for nearly two days, insisting on her little son having the last morsel. How beautiful and white she looked! "just like the figures in the wax-work," the poor boy artlessly informed his benefactor, as they made their way through the narrow courts and alleys which led to his abode. The dirty, sluggish inhabitants watched them curiously, but allowed Mr. Grant to pass unmolested, imagining him to be the doctor. In a small bare room on a heap of rags in a corner lay a woman-or what had once been a woman-white and still, with her arms crossed on her bosom, and holding in her lifeless hands a bunch of faded violets. How tenderly the news of her death was broken to the desolate orphan we need not say, nor how good Samaritans opened their hearts and homes to the little waif, whose child-like faith was not allowed to remain unanswered.

THE BIBLE IN PARIS.

The following is an extract from a letter addressed to us by Miss de Broen :-"May I ask the prayers and the help of your readers that much blessing may attend the opening of a little book-shop at 55, Rue Secretain, leading from the Place de la Vilette to Buttes de Chaumont (one of the finest parks in Paris), where, in different languages, Bibles, Testaments, L'Amie de la Maison, pure literature, texts,

etc., can be bought, and where Gospels and tracts will be distributed on Sundays and fête days to the thousands of people, rich and poor, passing from all parts of Paris to visit Buttes de Chaumont. The outside of the shop is painted bright blue, to attract the attention of the passers by. Will Christian friends who come to Paris encourage us by a visit, and buy for their own use or for distribution? They can also get there all other information respecting the different branches of the Belleville Mission (begun in 1871), consisting of a medical mission, day-schools, night-schools, Gospel meetings in French and German, prayer meetings, sewing-classes, etc., etc. A lady worker will, if possible, always be there. The shop was opened on the 14th of July, the great national fête day. Forty Testaments, and over one hundred Amie de la Maison and Rayons de Soleil were sold during a few hours' time. There has never been a greater need than now to spread the Word of God and good books, as most of their publications are blasphemous and poisonous enough to destroy body and soul. There are three different travesties of the Bible every week-La Bible Comique, La Bible Pour Rire, and another equally bad -and yet the French are ready to accept better things if only we bring them to their reach, but for this we want voluntary helpers, your prayers, your money. What a privilege it is that the Lord permits us to spread that precious Word which is quick and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword, and by the means of which sinners are taught that God is love. And is it not one of our Blessed Saviour's own commands: Search the Scriptures, for in them ye have eternal life, for they are they which testify of Me'? But how can those who are without them search the Scriptures' unless we put them into their possession? Subscriptions or donations may be sent by cheque or P.O.O. direct to Miss J. de Broen, 3, Rue Clavel, Belleville, Paris; or to Messrs. Barclay, Bevan, and Co., 54, Lombard Street, London." We cordially commend this work to the notice and support of our readers.

NOT NAVVIES, BUT MEN.

"We are men, not navvies." So said one of that great army of labourers, now numbering 60,000 in our land, on whose work we all depend so largely for the necessaries and conveniences of our daily life for water supply, drainage, locomotion. There was a suggestive truth in these words, spoken in past days, when to be a navvy was to be almost an outcast, which has been realised by many Christian people in England now, and no navvy to-day has need to utter the simple but bitter protest. We heard lately, from the Dean of Ripon and others interested in this class of men, how much blessing has attended the navvy mission, instituted four years ago, for sending Scripture-readers to minister to their spiritual wants, and stirring up Christian care and sympathy for them in the various localities where their changeful lot is cast; how changeful is that lot we keenly realised when, one evening, at a navvies' tea-drinking, one of the guests told us that of eight children he had lost, no two graves were in one spot. There now exist twenty-four stations connected with this mission, and at many of these, local cooperation is cordially given by clergy and laity: not only in the holding of services and Bible-classes, but the establishment of night-schools and coffee-rooms, and the supply of temporal comforts. Last winter, a Norfolk clergyman, in whose parish a railway line was in construction, opened his kitchen every night at 3 A.M., for navvies who were working through the night, and gave them coffee, and read to them from the Bible.

"Business is bad with me," said the publican of the place, meeting the vicar. "I'd only two customers last night."

"It's brisk enough with me," replied the vicar; "I had thirty."

The Dean of Ripon, who took a very practical interest in the navvies, long before this most useful Mission Society was formed, pleaded earnestly for increased support in the work, both in the way of subscriptions and of personal effort on the part of Christians dwelling in the neighbourhood of navvy operations, and his plea was eloquently

enforced by his mention of the following fact:-In one large town in Yorkshire, where 800 men have been employed for ten years on a reservoir, no interest whatever has been shown in their welfare till this Society placed a Scripture-reader there in 1880; "and now, for want of help from the residents," said the Dean, "we have had to withdraw our grant, for the Society does not feel justified in bearing the entire expense of any single mission. But the missionary hitherto employed in this place, himself formerly a navvy, rather than give up his lowly ministry for Christ, has resumed his position as a navvy, and continues his missionary work among his mates gratuitously." After working twelve hours a day for his bread, he attends the night-school every evening, and on Sunday is incessantly employed in conducting a Sunday-school and service. He also collects (himself also contributing) the weekly rent of the mission-room from those who avail themselves of it. IN THE NORTH SEA.

There is a very excellent, and by many an unsuspected work going on amongst the fishing fleet up in the North Sea. Our friends the Thames Missionaries, not content with the employment in the river, follow the ships in their work, and catch many valuable lives far away at sea.

There the preacher accosts them on their own ground, and passes from smack to smack reading, and distributing tracts, and as the opportunity offers holding a meeting for prayer. On one occasion the master of a vessel came and constrained the visitor to accompany him on board his smack. "You must come with me," said he, "for the blessed Lord has answered my prayer in sending you out to us. I have prayed for three days that the Lord would send some one to me to speak to my son, and now I thank God for sending you!" The preacher at once proceeded on board as requested, and was very kindly welcomed. We may believe that the visit was a success, and that the hearts he spoke to were softened. But it is very satisfactory to think that the men themselves are daily becoming more and more alive to the blessings the Thames Church and other Missions are conferring upon them by sending forth labourers to glean amongst those who are lawfully employed in gathering in the great harvest of the sea. The gifts of books are highly appreciated, and there are many vessels engaged upon the Dogger Bank, which do not possess even a Bible. When this prime need shall have been satisfied, a supply of illustrated books will be gladly welcomed. Any one can help, and send a message of goodwill to the fisherman toiling in the North Sea.

"THE QUIVER"

1. Which of the Evangelists records the fact that Our Blessed Lord Himself was called a carpenter?

2. Where was Dalmanutha situated?

3. Where was it that Sarah, the wife of Abraham, died? 1. What place in Spain supplied the Ancients with silver plate?

5. Where is the word "chapt" applied to the ground, as signifying the cracks made therein by drought?

6. Show how Jeremiah enforced his teaching upon the people by illustrations from the events of daily life.

BIBLE CLASS.

7. Where is the first mention made of the prophetic character of Abraham?

8. What outward sign of healing the sick did the Apostles use when they were sent out by Our Blessed Lord on their mission journey?

9. In the record of Our Lord's life as given by St. Mark, with what event does he commence?

10. At what place in Egypt did Jeremiah the prophet dwell during the sojourn of the people of Judah in that country?

..

Amount previously acknow ledged

J. B. Stevens, Brecknock Rd.

J. E. Andrew, Hanwell
K. Bradbury, Greenfield..
Manchester..

Gertrude Batho, Whitchurch

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E. A. Vickers, Ravenglass Lucy Blackburn, Birkenhead

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Charlotte Barnes, Wimborne.. "Poor Widow," Belfast A. E. Gapp, Ealing

Miss Clutterbuck, New Maldon Eliza S., Clapham

..

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The

LGERIA has of late occupied a large place in the public mind. Frenchmen, especially, have had reason to turn their attention to their North African province with painful interest. Resistance to French rule has manifested itself in various forms; and what the arms of the Arabs have failed to do, has been accomplished by snow, exposure, hardship, and want; for, in following a desert people to their fastnesses, it must always be remembered that the civilised pursuers get the worst of it, seeing that they are completely at the mercy of hidden foes, natural hardships incident to a desert country, and unlooked-for ambuscades. Algiers, the capital, is built in the form of an amphitheatre, on the side of a mountain facing the harbour. The houses are coloured white, and rise in terraces, one above another, so presenting a most picturesque appearance from the sea. roofs are flat, like those of all Arab houses, and are used as terraces and gardens by the inhabitants, earth being spread over some of them for this purpose. The streets present the usual appearance of Eastern thoroughfares. They are crooked, narrow, and dark, being hemmed in by high buildings and old houses, as well as shops. The streets are crowded with passengers of many nationalities-Mussulmans, Jews, Turks, Arabs, Frenchmen, Englishmen, Americans, Spaniards, Italians, and negroes, jostle one another in the streets, and present curious contrasts between Oldworld fatalism and inertness, and New-world energy and civilisation. The city is spreading over much of the adjoining country. Villas and suburbs are being formed, and adorned by fountains and rivulets; for, as in all hot countries, the gift of cold water, whether by fountains or by cups, is accounted the most precious. Under the French rule, commerce is flourishing, human life is respected, and secular education is beginning to be introduced.

Algeria is bounded on the south by the great Sahara, and is intersected by mountain ranges and precipitous hills, overlooking rich and verdant valleys. In these valleys are to be found fruit trees of every description. Oranges, lemons, figs, grapes, and dates abound; while the plains are in some parts devoted to the culture of roses. It is said that the mineral wealth of the country is very large; while the climate and soil are such, that there is a probability of an agricultural mission being founded, in order to combine material benefit with spiritual instruction. It is confidently believed by those who know the country and people, that such a mission would be self-supporting in a very short space of time.

CULTURE.

races

This mission is intended chiefly for the Kabyles, who are really the aborigines of Algeria. The Moors, Turks, Berbers, and negroes, are which have effected settlements in the land by means of emigration, warfare, slavery, or conquest. The Kabyles, although subject to the Arabs for long years, are a fine race, physically and mentally. They inhabit the table-lands of the country, as well as the mountain villages, rearing cattle, cultivating wheat and fruit, and developing various arts; albeit, they are brave warriors, and can defend themselves against all comers. Since the French became masters of Algeria, the Roman Catholics have, here and there, established schools and seminaries for the training of native missionaries for the interior; but Protestant fervour has not yet, with the exception of the little effort treated of in this paper, planted missions among the people. Yet Northern Africa has occupied no mean position as regards Christianity. Its churches and bishops have been renowned for their faithfulness and earnest work. Tertullian, Cyprian, and Augustine were among its bishops; while its churches professed the purest faith in those primitive days. Probably, the Christian faith degenerated until the substance became obscured in the shadow, and the creed lost in the superstition; but it was not until the time of the Saracenic invasion that the Mohammedan creed was introduced among them. Still, to this day, they observe the Koran only partially, as they believe that some portions of the volume were intended specially for people of other countries. The result is that the people are sunk in the deepest religious ignorance: superstition takes the place of true faith, and not a single Protestant missionary can be found among them.

Yet this country is only about four days' distance from England. It is not an unknown land to Englishmen, for its beautiful climate attracts many a consumptive one, whose days would be shortened speedily at home; and sets up thousands of weak-chested individuals. A two-days' trip to Marseilles, and another two-days' sail to Algiers, across the blue Mediterranean, brings the visitor to the country, and lands him in the midst of a thoroughly interesting people. One of these visitors-Mr. H. Grattan Guinness-after paying a visit to Algeria some two or three years since, was so impressed by the need of Christian labour among the people, that he cast about earnestly for means and agencies calculated to carry on evangelistic work. As he pondered, it seemed to him that this would be best accomplished by means of a self-supporting mission.

Mr. and Mrs. George Pearse were chosen to go out to Algeria at first on a mission of exploration,